Axial Failure Load Research Articles

A pilot trial comparing the tear-out behavior in screw-sockets and cemented polyethylene acetabular components – a cadaveric study

BackgroundThe removal of well-fixed acetabular components following THA (total hip arthroplasty) is a difficult operation and could be accompanied by the loss of acetabular bone stock. The optimal method for fixation is still under debate. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the tear-out resistance and failure behavior between osseo-integrated and non-integrated screw cups. Furthermore, we examined whether there are differences in the properties mentioned between screw sockets and cemented polyethylene cups. HypothesisTear-out resistance and related mechanical work required for the tear-out of osseo-integrated screw sockets are higher than in non-integrated screw sockets. Patients and methodsTen human coxal bones from six cadavers with osseo-integrated screw sockets (n=4), non-integrated (implanted post-mortem, n=3) screw sockets and cemented polyethylene cups (n=3) were used for tear-out testing. The parameters axial failure load and mechanical work for tear-out were introduced as measures for determining the stability of acetabular components following THA. ResultsThe osseo-integrated screw sockets yielded slightly higher tear-out resistance (1.61±0.26kN) and related mechanical work compared to the non-integrated screw sockets (1.23±0.39kN, P=0.4). The cemented polyethylene cups yielded the lowest tear-out resistance with a failure load of 1.18±0.24kN. Compared to the screw cups implanted while alive, they also differ on a non-significant level (P=0.1). Osseous failure patterns differed especially for the screw sockets compared to the cemented polyethylene cups. DiscussionOsseo-integration did not greatly influence the tear-out stability in cementless screw sockets following axial loading. Furthermore, the strength of the bone-implant-interface of cementless screw sockets appears to be similar to cemented polyethylene cups. However, given the high failure load, high mechanical load and because of the related bone failure patterns, removal should not be performed by means of tear-out but rather by osteotomes or other curved cutting devices to preserve the acetabular bone stock. Level of evidenceLevel III, case-control-study.

Augmentation by cerclage wire improves fixation of vertical shear femoral neck fractures—A biomechanical analysis

BackgroundFemoral neck fractures in young individuals are typically vertical shear fractures. These injuries are difficult to stabilize due to a significant varus displacement force across the hip with weight bearing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability offered by the addition of an augmented wire to conventional inverted triangle triple screw fixation for stabilizing vertical shear femoral neck fracture. MethodsSixteen medium 4th-generation synthetic composite femurs (Sawbones Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA) were divided into two groups. Vertical osteotomy was performed to mimic Pauwels III femoral neck fracture. Group A (n=8) was fixed with three parallel 6.5-mm cannulated screws (Stryker) with washer in inverted triangle configuration. In group B (n=8), all the screws were set using methods identical to group A, with the addition of the cerclage wire. Both groups were tested with nondestructive axial compression test at 7 and 25° of valgus stress, respectively. Then axial cyclic loading test with 1000N was applied for 1000 cycles, and interfragmentary displacement was measured with Fastrak magnetic tracking system (Polhemus, Colchester, VT, USA). Finally, destructive axial compression test was conducted at 7°of valgus stress. ResultsAxial stiffness showed that group B had a 66% increase (879N/mm vs. 1461N/mm, P<0.01) at 7° valgus and a 46% increase (1611N/mm vs. 2349N/mm, P<0.01) at 25° valgus in comparison with group A. Interfragmentary fracture displacement after cyclic loading was significantly less for group B compared with group A (0.34 vs 0.13mm, P=0.0016). For axial failure load, there was 42% increase in group B compared with group A (2602N/mm vs. 3686N/mm, P=0.0023). ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that the addition of a cerclage wire to inverted triangle triple screws provides substantial improvement in mechanical performance regarding fixation of vertically oriented femoral neck fractures when compared with the conventional construct. Our study provides support from a mechanical analysis perspective for the reported clinical usefulness of the cerclage wire.

A novel locking screw hip stem to achieve immediate stability in total hip arthroplasty: A biomechanical study

IntroductionAs total hip arthroplasty is now applicable for younger, healthier, and more active patients, bone preservation becomes even more essential, and proximal fixation, resulting in less stress shielding, draws special attention with focus on new strategies and implant designs.Recently, a new type of non-cemented fixation of the femoral component, featured with the locking screw hip (LSH) stem, was developed by Scyon Orthopaedics AG (Au-Waedenswil, Switzerland). The idea to rigidly fix the femoral component of a prosthesis for total hip replacement in this fashion evolved from the very good results achieved with the internal point-contact fixator PC-Fix.The purpose of this study was to investigate the unique characteristics of the LSH-stem and to assess its biomechanical performance in comparison to a conventional cemented prosthesis (Mueller straight stem). Material and MethodsSix paired human cadaveric femora were preserved with the method of Thiel, split in two study groups, implanted with either cemented Mueller straight stem or LSH-stem prostheses and biomechanically tested under progressively increasing axial loading until catastrophic failure. Bone mineral density (BMD) of all femora was evaluated in the femoral head prior to implantation. Axial construct stiffness, failure load and cycles to failure were calculated from the machine data and statistically evaluated at a level of significance p = 0.05. ResultsNo statistically significant difference between the LSH-stem and the Mueller straight stem was found in terms of axial construct stiffness (2031.5 N/mm ± 483.1 N/mm and 2403.6 N/mm ± 705.2 N/mm, p = 0.115), failure load (4958.8 N ± 1094.1 N and 5907.2 N ± 1562.8 N, p = 0.138) and cycles to failure (7917.7 ± 2188.1 and 9814.3 ± 3125.6, p = 0.138). BMD showed no significant difference between the two study groups, p = 0.616. ConclusionThe LSH-stem seems to be stable enough to carry loads experienced during the rehabilitation period of a patient after THR. Its stability, which is similar to that of the Mueller straight stem, may justify the clinical application of the LSH-stem under thorough investigation.

Biomechanical outcome of proximal femoral nail antirotation is superior to proximal femoral locking compression plate for reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures: a biomechanical study of intertrochanteric fractures.

Reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures are a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The optimal internal fixation for repairing this type of unstable intertrochanteric fractures remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties in axial load and cyclical axial load of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and proximal femoral locking compression plate (PFLCP) for fixation of reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures. Sixteen embalmed cadaver femurs were sawed to simulate reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fracture and instrumented with PFNA or PFLCP. Axial loads and axial cyclic loads were applied to the femoral head by an Instron tester. If the implant-femur constructs did not fail, axial failure load was added to the remaining implant-femur constructs. Mean axial stiffness for PFNA was 21.10% greater than that of PFLCP. Cyclic axial loading caused significantly less (p=0.022) mean irreversible deformation in PFNA (3.43 mm) than in PFLCP (4.34 mm). Significantly less (p=0.002) mean total deformation was detected in PFNA (6.16 mm) than in PFLCP (8.67 mm). For fixing reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures, PFNA is superior to PFLCP under axial load.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Novel Autogenous Bone Interbody Fusion Cage for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in a Cadaveric Model

A human cadaveric biomechanical study of a novel, prefabricated autogenous bone interbody fusion (ABIF) cage. To evaluate the biomechanical properties of the ABIF cage in a single-level construct with and without transpedicular screw and rod fixation. In current practice, posterior lumbar interbody fusion is generally carried out using synthetic interbody spacers or corticocancellous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) in combination with posterior instrumentation. However, questions remain concerning the use of synthetic intervertebral implants as well as the morbidity ICBG harvesting. Therefore, ABIF cage has been developed to obviate some of the challenges in conventional posterior lumbar interbody fusion instrumentation and to facilitate the fusion process. Eighteen adult cadaveric lumbosacral (L3-S1) specimens were tested. Test conditions included single lumbosacral segments across (1) intact, (2) decompressed, (3) intervertebral cage alone, and (4) intervertebral cage with bilateral transpedicular fixation. Range of motion (ROM), neutral zone (NZ), and axial failure load were tested for each condition. The ICBG, polyetheretherketone cage, or ABIF cage alone exhibited a significantly lower (P < 0.05) ROM and NZ than the decompressed spine. In comparison with the intact spine, all 3 test conditions without supplemental fixation were able to decrease ROM and NZ to near intact levels. When stabilized with pedicle screws, the ROM was significantly less and the NZ was significantly lower (P < 0.05) for each group both compared with the intact spine. In axial compression testing, the failure load of polyetheretherketone cage was the highest, with no significant difference between the ICBG and the ABIF cage. These data suggest that the novel ABIF cage can bear the physiological intervertebral peak load, similar to ICBG. When combined with pedicle screw and rod fixation, it exhibits similar biomechanical properties as the polyetheretherketone cage plus posterior instrumentation. Based on the biomechanical properties of ABIF cage, the prospect of these cages in clinical practice is expected.

Drift performance of lightly reinforced concrete columns

This paper presents the findings of a research project investigating the lateral load drift behaviour of lightly reinforced concrete columns. Such columns are common in regions of low–moderate seismicity, and although their strength properties are well defined, the drift performance is less understood. The paper presents the results of an experimental study undertaken and the development of a theoretical model for predicting the lateral load–drift behaviour of lightly reinforced concrete columns. The model includes a study undertaken to estimate the drift capacity of lightly reinforced columns at lateral load failure and axial load failure based on a large database of previous experimental tests. The results of a case study example are presented and clearly indicate the dramatic impact that the axial load ratio has on the drift performance of lightly reinforced columns, particularly the significantly lower drift capacities that are available in compression dominated columns.

Cyclic Biomechanical Testing of Biocomposite Lateral Row Knotless Anchors in a Human Cadaveric Model

The purpose of this study was to assess the mechanical performance of biocomposite knotless lateral row anchors based on both anchor design and the direction of pull. Two lateral row greater tuberosity insertion sites (anterior and posterior) were identified in matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scanned to verify comparability. The humeri were stripped of all soft tissue and 3 different biocomposite knotless lateral row anchors: HEALIX Knotless BR (DePuy Mitek, Raynham MA), BioComposite PushLock (Arthrex, Naples, FL), and Bio-SwiveLock (Arthrex). Fifty-two anchors were distributed among the insertion locations and tested them with either an anatomic or axial pull. A fixed-gauge loop (15 mm) of 2 high-strength sutures from each anchor was created. After a 10-Nm preload, anchors were cycled from 10 to 45 Nm at 0.5 Hz for 200 cycles and tested to failure at 4.23 mm/second. The load to reach 3 mm and 5 mm displacement, ultimate failure load, displacement at ultimate failure, and failure mode were recorded. Threaded anchors (Bio-SwiveLock, P = .03; HEALIX Knotless, P = .014) showed less displacement with anatomic testing than did the nonthreaded anchor (BioComposite PushLock), and the HEALIX Knotless showed less overall displacement than did the other 2 anchors. The Bio-SwiveLock exhibited greater failure loads than did the other 2 anchors (P < .05). Comparison of axial and anatomic loading showed no maximum load differences for all anchors as a whole (P = .1084). Yet, anatomic pulling produced higher failure loads than did axial pulling for the Bio-SwiveLock but not for the BioComposite PushLock or the HEALIX Knotless. The nonthreaded anchor (BioComposite PushLock) displayed lower failure loads than did both threaded anchors with axial pulling. Threaded biocomposite anchors (HEALIX Knotless BR and Bio-SwiveLock) show less anatomic loading displacement and higher axial failure loads than do the nonthreaded (BioComposite PushLock) anchor. The HEALIX Knotless BR anchor showed less displacement than did the BioComposite PushLock and Bio-SwiveLock anchors. Neither axial nor anatomic loading had an effect on overall anchor displacement. Because of the strength profiles exhibited, this study supports the use of biocomposite anchors, which have definite advantages over polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and metal products. However, the nonthreaded BioComposite PushLock anchor cannot be recommended.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON CODE-BASED LINEAR EVALUATION OF AN EXISTING R.C. SCHOOL BUILDING BEFORE AND AFTER 1992 EGYPT EARTHQUAKE

Building codes did not include requirements for spe cial seismic detailing of reinforced concrete structures until the 1970's whe n several earthquakes demonstrated the need for more ductile design. Thes e buildings are vulnerable to numerous failure modes including: failure of col umn lap splices; strong beam/weak column failures; captive column failure; punching shear failures in flat plate slabs; and shear and axial load failure of columns with wide transverse reinforcement spacing. A discontinuity i n stiffness and strength at the bottom story, due to a soft story, often result s in a concentration of earthquake damage at the building base. Several exa mples of past earthquake behavior are given in this report as well as discus sion of various retrofit options. Gravity load designed old school buildings had been heavily damaged by the October, 1992, Egypt earthquake in the regions near the epicenter. Most of the victims were school students because there was no previous knowledge of the ideal behavior dealing with earthquakes, the ca se that leads to the students' rushing into corridors and stairs. As a result of t he weakness of some parapets of corridors, some students fell into the playgroun d. Moreover, the existence of only one stair at most schools cause the accumulati on of students over the stair, which led to the death of some students. Samples of old school buildings in Egypt were selected for evaluation to determine the deficient aspects of these buildings. Finally, the research sheds the light on the best public behaviour against earthquakes. The aim of this study is to investigate the code-ba sed procedure of seismic performance assessments of existing buildings and t o determine the seismic performance levels of a case study reinforced concr ete building, which represents typical existing building stock in Egypt , as well as comparing the consequences of linear static analysis procedures.

Full 3D finite element modelling of spiral strand cables

Spiral strand cables are widely used in lightweight cable-supported structures such as sports stadia and bridges. Accurate understanding of their mechanical behaviour is complicated by their complex geometry and the complex contact conditions that exist between the many individual spirally wound wires. This study develops full 3D elasto-plastic finite element (FE) models of the multi-layer spiral strand cables subjected to quasi-static axial loading using LS-DYNA. A novel procedure to generate their complex geometry and FE meshes was devised and two cables with different diameters and numbers of wires were modelled in detail. The predicted axial load–axial strain curves and failure loads were in good agreement with experimental data.

Load-carrying capacity of mitered furniture corner joints with dovetail keys under diagonal tension load

The goal of this study was to introduce a method for estimating stress analysis as an efficient procedure for evaluating the strength of mitered corner joints in furniture structures. Tests were carried out to determine the effects of panel type, distance between the centers of dovetail holes and the edges of joints (10, 20, and 30 mm), and type of dovetail key on the load-carrying capacity of mitered corner joints under a diagonal tension load. Specimens were constructed of overlaid medium-density fiberboard (LamMDF) and particleboard (LamPb) and connected with butterfly and H-shaped dovetail keys. Polyvinyl acetate adhesive was used to assemble the joints. Specimens were tested under diagonal tension loads and the corresponding combined stress analysis was conducted using the following formulas: Total stress at the outer edge, Total stress at the inner edge, where \sigmab is bending stress, \sigmaa is axial stress, P is axial failure load, L is half of the span length, and t and b are the thickness and width of the joint members. Test results showed that corner joints constructed of LamMDF were 13% stronger than joints constructed of LamPb. For the specimens constructed of both panel types, a 10-mm distance between the dovetail holes and the edges of joints gave better results than distances of 20 and 30 mm. No significant differences were observed between the 2 types of dovetail keys. Total compression stresses at the outer edge were 2 times greater than the total tension stresses at the inner edge of the joints.

The biomechanical effect of changes in cancellous bone density on synthetic femur behaviour

Biomechanical researchers increasingly use commercially available and experimentally validated synthetic femurs to mimic human femurs. However, the choice of cancellous bone density for these artificial femurs appears to be done arbitrarily. The aim of the work reported in this paper was to examine the effect of synthetic cancellous bone density on the mechanical behaviour of synthetic femurs. Thirty left, large, fourth-generation composite femurs were mounted onto an Instron material testing system. The femurs were divided evenly into five groups each containing six femurs, each group representing a different synthetic cancellous bone density: 0.08, 0.16, 0.24, 0.32, and 0.48 g/cm3. Femurs were tested non-destructively to obtain axial, lateral, and torsional stiffness, followed by destructive tests to measure axial failure load, displacement, and energy. Experimental results yielded the following ranges and the coefficient of determination for a linear regression (R2) with cancellous bone density: axial stiffness (range 2116.5-2530.6N/mm; R2 = 0.94), lateral stiffness (range 204.3-227.8N/mm; R2 = 0.08), torsional stiffness (range 259.9-281.5N/mm; R2 = 0.91), failure load (range 5527.6-11 109.3 N; R2 = 0.92), failure displacement (range 2.97-6.49 mm; R2 = 0.85), and failure energy (range 8.79-42.81 J; R2 = 0.91). These synthetic femurs showed no density effect on lateral stiffness and only a moderate influence on axial and torsional stiffness; however, there was a strong density effect on axial failure load, displacement, and energy. Because these synthetic femurs have previously been experimentally validated against human femurs, these trends may be generalized to the clinical situation. This is the first study in the literature to perform such an assessment.

A Biomechanical Comparison of Two Triple-Screw Methods for Femoral Neck Fracture Fixation in a Synthetic Bone Model

Fixation of femoral neck fractures is often accomplished by several screws inserted along the neck axis. Alignment and number of screws remain at the discretion of the surgeon. Two fracture repair methods were compared. Sixteen large, left, adult, synthetic femurs, known as Third Generation Composite Femurs (Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA), were osteotomized with a transverse cut perpendicular to the neck axis. Fractures were reduced and repaired using method 1 (n = 8) or method 2 (n = 8) cannulated cancellous screw methods. Method 1 screws were inserted parallel in an upside-down triangle configuration and abutted against the cortical walls inferiorly, anteriorly, and posteriorly. Method 2 screws were placed adjacent to one another as often done clinically. Femoral shafts were positioned in a nonclinical vertical orientation to obtain conservative "lower bound" measurements. Specimens were tested for torsional and axial stiffness using subclinical loads followed by axial failure tests. Method 1 showed statistically higher values compared with method 2 for torsional stiffness (9.9 vs. 7.9 Nm/deg, method 1/method 2 ratio = 1.25, p = 0.018), axial stiffness (1469.0 vs. 1278.1 N/mm, method 1/method 2 ratio = 1.15, p = 0.023), and axial failure load (3493.5 vs. 2863.5 N, method 1/method 2 ratio = 1.22, p = 0.000). However, there were no statistical differences in axial failure displacement (10.9 vs. 16.9 mm, method 1/method 2 ratio = 0.64, p = 0.101) or axial failure energy (29.9 vs. 35.9 J, method 1/method 2 ratio = 0.83, p = 0.453). For both methods, femoral heads move distally while screw shafts cut through the spongy cancellous matrix of the femoral neck in knife-like fashion. Method 1 was more mechanically stable than method 2 in femoral neck fracture fixation as detected by three of five biomechanical measurements and equivalent to method 2 for two of five biomechanical measurements.

A Biomechanical Comparison of Trochanteric Nail Proximal Screw Configurations in a Subtrochanteric Fracture Model

Historically, because of the magnitude of muscle forces exerted locally, as well as the commonly associated comminution, subtrochanteric fractures have been difficult to treat. Tencer et al found intramedullary nail fixation to be superior to lateral plate constructs in axial compression and combined bending. In addition, reconstruction-type intramedullary nails of more recent design have been shown to provide strength and stiffness superior to that supplied by the earlier antegrade intramedullary implants. A relatively new reconstruction nail, the DePuy VersaNail Troch Entry Nail (DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA), is unique in that it allows for two different proximal two-screw configurations: (1) the common parallel cephalomedullary arrangement and (2) a novel crossed-screw pattern. Our hypothesis was that the crossed-screw configuration would be as strong in axial loading as the cephalomedullary screw configuration. Twenty composite femurs were instrumented using the DePuy VersaNail Troch Entry Nail in a subtrochanteric fracture model: 10 with the crossed proximal screw configuration and 10 with the traditional parallel screw configuration. These constructs were first loaded axially to calculate their stiffness and then axially loaded to failure. One specimen was rendered unusable for all calculations. Therefore, 19 constructs were evaluated: 9 parallel screw constructs, 10 crossed-screw constructs. The crossed-screw construct had a significantly higher stiffness than the parallel screw construct (347 +/- 73 N/mm and 261 +/- 42 N/mm, respectively; P = 0.01) and a significantly higher axial load to failure (2848 +/- 391 N vs. 2300 +/- 444 N; P = 0.01). This study shows that axial failure loads of the crossed-screw configuration were greater than those of the parallel screw configuration. Clinically, this provides the surgeon more options for stabilizing a subtrochanteric femur fracture. This decision may be made intra-operatively if necessary, facilitating fracture fixation and providing a stable construct.

Biomechanical and in vivo evaluation of experimental closure devices of the annulus fibrosus designed for a goat nucleus replacement model

Promising strategies are being developed to replace or regenerate the herniated nucleus pulposus. However, clinical efficacy of these methods has still to be addressed, and the lack of appropriate annulus closure techniques is increasingly being recognised as a major limiting factor. In the current study, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel annulus closure devices (ACDs) was performed. These devices are intended to be used in adjunct to nucleus replacement therapies in an experimental goat study. After a standardised discectomy had been performed, different ACDs were implanted solely or in addition to a collagen nucleus replacement implant. Biomechanical effects and axial failure load were assessed in vitro and followed by in vivo evaluation in a goat model. On axial compression, the average axial failure load for ACDs with four barb rings was significantly higher compared to the implants with five barb rings. The increased range of flexion–extension and latero-flexion observed after discectomy were restored to the normal range after implantation of the implants. Positive findings with the four-ring ACD were confirmed in goats after a follow-up of 2 weeks in vivo. However, after 6 weeks most implants (n = 16) showed signs of destruction and displacement. Although there seemed to be a tendency towards better results when ACDs were placed in addition to the nucleus replacements, these differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, two endplate reactions extending into the subchondral bone were observed, most likely due to continuous friction between the ACD and the vertebrae. Although current results are encouraging first steps towards the development of an efficient ACD for animal models, further optimisation is necessary. Current results also show that one cannot rely on in vitro biomechanical studies with annulus closure techniques, and these should always be confirmed in vivo in a large animal model.

Tension and Combined Tension-Extension Structural Response and Tolerance Properties of the Human Male Ligamentous Cervical Spine

Tensile loading of the human cervical spine results from noncontact inertial loading of the head as well as mandibular and craniofacial impacts. Current vehicle safety standards include a neck injury criterion based on beam theory that uses a linear combination of the normalized upper cervical axial force and sagittal plane moment. This study examines this criterion by imposing combined axial tension and bending to postmortem human subject (PMHS) ligamentous cervical spines. Tests were conducted on 20 unembalmed PMHSs. Nondestructive whole cervical spine tensile tests with varying cranial end condition and anteroposterior loading location were used to generate response corridors for computational model development and validation. The cervical spines were sectioned into three functional spinal segments (Occiput-C2, C4-C5, and C6-C7) for measurement of tensile structural response and failure testing. The upper cervical spine (Occiput-C2) was found to be significantly less stiff, absorb less strain energy, and fail at higher loads than the lower cervical spine (C4-C5 and C6-C7). Increasing the moment arm of the applied tensile load resulted in larger head rotations, larger moments, and significantly higher tensile ultimate strengths in the upper cervical spine. The strength of the upper cervical spine when loaded through the head center of gravity (2417+/-215 N) was greater than when loaded over the occipital condyles (2032+/-250 N), which is not predicted by beam theory. Beam theory predicts that increased tensile loading eccentricity results in decreased axial failure loads. Analyses of the force-deflection histories suggest that ligament loading in the upper cervical spine depends on the amount of head rotation orientation, which may explain why the neck is stronger in combined tension and extension.

Hysteretic Model for Reinforced Concrete Columns Including the Effect of Shear and Axial Load Failure

Recent strong earthquakes have shown that column failure is the primary cause of collapse in many existing older buildings and bridges. The main objective of this paper is to develop a macromodel to simulate the cyclic lateral load-deformation response of reinforced concrete columns with limited computational effort. Flexural, longitudinal bar slip, and shear deformations are predicted under monotonic lateral loads, including the effects of strength decay and stiffness degradation. Using these monotonic responses as envelopes or primary curves, cyclic responses corresponding to these three deformation components are calculated. The column under consideration is classified into one of five categories considering the potential for flexural, shear, or axial load failure. Individual cyclic responses then are combined to obtain the total lateral response of the column based on its identified failure mode. Comparison of predicted cyclic response and experimental data showed that the proposed model is sufficiently accurate.

Dynamic Shear and Axial-Load Failure of Reinforced Concrete Columns

Reinforced concrete columns with light transverse reinforcement may be susceptible to shear and subsequent axial-load failures during strong earthquake ground shaking. An experimental program examined the behavior of two half-scale, one-story frames with axial loads representative of those expected for the lower story of a multistory building. The frames were subjected to unidirectional simulated earthquake motion applied at the base. Shear failures of an interior column led to axial-load failure and redistribution of internal forces to adjacent framing components. Recorded data illustrated the details of the shear and axial failures and the redistribution to adjacent components. This paper discusses the global response of the frames and the shear and axial-load response of the shear-critical interior column.

Classification and Seismic Safety Evaluation of Existing Reinforced Concrete Columns

This study contributes to the critical need for safety assessment tools for existing reinforced concrete structures. Of particular concern is the possibility of collapse due to shear failure followed by axial failure of columns supporting gravity loads. This is a potential threat to a number of existing buildings in seismically active regions. Due to unavoidable uncertainties, drift capacity predictions can only be made in a probabilistic manner. This is addressed by the development of probabilistic drift capacity models at two performance levels: lateral strength degradation and axial load failure. First, a classification method is proposed to approximately distinguish between shear-dominated columns and flexure-dominated columns. Second, for each type of column, a probabilistic shear capacity model is developed by applying an existing Bayesian methodology to an experimental database. The focus of the presentation is on the physical insight gained from the model development. Third, a probabilistic model is developed for the drift capacity at axial load failure. Finally, the probabilistic drift capacity models are employed to develop fragility curves—with confidence bounds—that are utilized to assess the probability of failure implied by current seismic rehabilitation guidelines.

Differences in biomechanical stability of femur fracture fixation when using titanium nails of increasing diameter

The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability generated when utilizing increasing sizes of titanium (Ti) flexible nails for fixation of simulated comminuted femur fractures. Five synthetic adolescent-sized femur models were reamed to create a 9-mm canal. A 2-cm section was removed in the mid-diaphysis to simulate comminution. Each femur was first stabilized with bilateral, retrograde 3.0-mm titanium elastic nails. Femurs were tested in axial rotation and axial compression. The constructs were removed, and femurs were re-nailed with 3.5-mm nails. Identical testing was conducted. These nails were then removed, and femurs were re-nailed with 4.0-mm nails. This provided data on "canal fill" representing 67, 78 and 89% of the reamed canal diameter. Data for axial rotation (degrees) and failure load (N) required to produce 5 mm of fracture shortening were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05) and a Tukey's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons. For axial rotation, there were statistically significant improvements in rotational control for each increase in nail size. For axial stability, each increase in nail size resulted in increased axial failure loads to 5 mm, although these data were not statistically different. A specific comparison between 3.0- and 3.5-mm nails for compressive stability found significantly greater stability afforded by using 3.5-mm nails. Data from this study demonstrate that increasing the amount of canal fill provides significant improvements in rotational control. The largest improvement was seen when increasing from 3.0- to 3.5-mm nails. While increasing the nail size from 3.5 to 4.0 mm again provided greater stability, larger nails may be more difficult to insert. Thus, increasing the nail size for femoral fracture fixation should be considered after measuring the diameter of the canal and evaluating the potential difficulty of insertion as well as specific demands of the fracture pattern.

Double Pedicle Screw Instrumentation in the Osteoporotic Spine

A biomechanical feasibility test. To assess the overall feasibility, safety, and mechanical effectiveness of an intrapedicular double-screw construct in the thoracolumbar spine. The bony purchase of the pedicle screw fixation is often not strong enough in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Our hypothesis was that the elliptical cross-section of the pedicle would allow the insertion of 2 smaller diameter pedicle screws resulting in a bony purchase superior to the standard single-screw technique. Thirty-six double-screw constructs (5mm diameter AOUSS and 5 mm Schanz screw) and 36 standard single pedicle screws (6mm diameter AOUSS screw) were placed. Screw pullout, multiaxial flexibility, and axial failure load testing was performed. Visual inspection, palpation, and radiograph confirmed that there were no pedicle breaches. In the double-screw group, all but 2 constructs had ideal direction. Pullout strength of the double-screw construct was no different than that of the single-screw construct. However, stiffness increased considerably in all testing modes. Axial load to failure, adjusted for bone mineral density, and dimensional variation, also increased. All differences were statistically significant except for axial rotation that was only marginally significant. The double-screw construct appears feasible and safe in the thoracolumbar spine. In this study, the new technique demonstrates a mechanical advantage over the standard single-screw technique. Further in vitro cadaveric safety studies with better adapted instrumentation are needed before the technique can be widely recommended.