Abstract
Two different orthopaedic implant designs of straight reconstruction and pancarpal arthrodesis plates with oval radiocarpal hole – both associated with clinically negative results – were initially subjected to laboratory cyclic fatigue testing in two independent biomechanical studies and presented with a fracture.Fractographic analysis was performed of each one randomly selected sample – Reco-Frac and OH-Frac.Reco-Frac fracture surface was characterized by three different plateau-like zones, distinguishing from each other by different topographies and fracture features. Complexity of the fracture was associated with a complex loading protocol. OH-Frac fracture surface revealed distinct radial marks originating at the bone-oriented side and was characterized with smeared metal and cleavage-like patterns. The fracture surface was more uniform, which can be ascribed to a simpler loading protocol.Clinically, fractures of the investigated two plate designs can be attributed to bone fracture healing disturbances, leading to prolonged cyclic loading of the plates and ultimately to their fatigue failure.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
