Inherent Strength of the osteo-WEDGE™ Bone Plate Locking System for Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsocuneiform Joint: A Biomechanical Study

Abstract

First metatarsocuneiform joint arthrodesis with a locking bone plate and screw system has been effectively used to correct metatarsus primus varus and instability of the first ray. The goal of the present cadaveric biomechanical study was to quantify and compare the inherent strength of the first metatarsocuneiform joint and surrounding bones fixated with the osteo-WEDGE™ bone plate locking system (OW) with that of intact specimens. Fourteen fresh-frozen adult human cadaveric foot specimens consisting of the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform bones with intact joint capsules and ligaments were used. The OW was implanted in 7 of these specimens at the first metatarsal cuneiform joint (MCJ), and the remaining 7 specimens were left intact. Each of the specimens was then subjected to axial force to simulate dorsiflexion of the first metatarsal using a cantilever bending test setup. Load was applied on the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head until failure of the construct. The mean load and bending moment on the first MCJ at failure for the implanted specimens were 119.98 ± 56.76 N and 5.57 ± 2.71 Nm, respectively. For the intact specimens, the mean load and bending moment on the first MCJ at failure were 107.93 ± 60.90 N and 6.07 ± 3.18 Nm, respectively. None of the specimens showed catastrophic failure within the physiologic loading limits. These results imply that the mechanical strength of the OW is comparable to that of intact specimens. Thus, the first MCJ and surrounding bones fixated with an OW should be able to effectively withstand the vertical ground reaction forces the same as intact specimens.