Biomechanical evaluation of naviculocuneiform fixation with lag screw and locking plates

Abstract

BackgroundThere have been no biomechanical evaluations of naviculocuneiform (NC) joint fixation. This study compared biomechanically 3 different fixation constructs for NC-1–3 joint fixation. MethodsThe present study compared the three fixation constructs lag screw with locking plate for each NC joint, two crossed lag screws for each NC joint and a separate lag screw for each NC joint with bridging locking plates. NC-1-3 fixation was performed stepwise, and rotation of each joint was evaluated after the application of each lag screw or locking plate and their removal. ResultsAll examined fixation techniques led to a significant reduced rotation of the NC joints. For NC-1 rotation decreased from 2.8° (Range 1.2–6.6°) to 0.6° (0.2–3.0°) for lag screw and locking plate (p = 0.002) and from 5.0° (1.7–9.8°) to 1.0° (0.1–3.6°) for crossed lag screws (p = 0.002). For NC-2, locking plate constructs were better with 0.2° (0.1–0.5°) compared to crossed lag screw osteosynthesis with 0.9° (0.2–1.6°) (p = 0.011). ConclusionEach evaluated fixation technique led to a reduced NC joint rotation. The fixation of any NC joint had no relevant effect on the adjacent NC joints. The results might support surgeons treating NC joint disorders.