Abstract
(1) Background: In polytrauma patients, femur fractures are usually stabilised by external fixation for damage control, later being treated with definitive plate or nail osteosynthesis. Screw/rod systems established in spinal surgery might be inserted for internal fixation, providing sufficient fracture stability that subsequent intervention is unnecessary. This was to be investigated biomechanically. (2) Methods: The unilaterally applied spinal internal fixator (IF) was subjected to load and deformation analysis on artificial femurs with 32-A3 fracture according to AO classification. Distance of screws to fracture and rod to cortical bone were analysed as parameters influenced surgically as stiffness and deformation of the treated fracture. In addition, the stability of another construct with a second screw/rod system was determined. The axial load in stance phase during walking was simulated. The results were compared against an established fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis (IP). (3) Results: There were no implant failures in the form of fractures, avulsions or deformations. All unilateral IF combinations were inferior to IP in terms of stability and stiffness. The bilateral construct with two screw/rod systems achieved biomechanical properties comparable to IP. 4) Conclusion: Biomechanically, a biplanar screw/rod system is suitable for definitive fracture stabilisation of the femur, despite a damage control approach.
Highlights
When treating polytrauma, the patient’s general status requires special consideration
Screw/rod systems used in spinal surgery are internal fixators, but can be applied in any position due to their shape and pliability
The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that an internal fixator (IF) with a screw/rod system used in spinal surgery enables stable osteosynthesis (OS)
Summary
The patient’s general status requires special consideration. A two-stage procedure with primary damage control and definitive treatment after stabilisation of the patient is designed to improve survival [1]. Plate fixators used for this purpose to date are anatomically shaped and can, only be inserted in one position. Depending on the soft tissue trauma and/or fracture pattern, this is problematic. Screw/rod systems used in spinal surgery are internal fixators, but can be applied in any position due to their shape and pliability. This might enable definitive treatment in many cases, despite a damage control approach, in which plate systems appear unsuitable and require a two-stage procedure
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
