Increase In Pullout Strength Research Articles

Can high-friction intraannular material increase screw pullout strength in osteoporotic bone?

Osteoporotic bone brings unique challenges to orthopaedic surgery, including a higher likelihood of problematic screw stripping in cancellous bone. Currently, there are limited options to satisfactorily repair stripped screws. Additionally, nonstripped screws hold with less purchase in osteoporotic bone. This study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) Does high-friction intraannular (HFIA) augmentation increase pullout strength in osteoporotic and in severely osteoporotic bone; and (2) can HFIA repair stripped bone thread in osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic bone? We measured screw pullout strength using a synthetic bone model in three groups: (1) predrilled nonstripped control holes as controls; (2) predrilled nonstripped augmented with HFIA; and (3) predrilled stripped holes repaired with HFIA. We tested this in osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic synthetic bone for a total of six test groups. We measured screw pullout force using an electromechanical tensile-testing machine comparing pullout force between the test groups and controls. HFIA augmentation did not increase pullout force compared with the control group in the osteoporotic bone model (489 ± 175 versus 607 ± 76, respectively; effect size = 0.94 [95% confidence interval {CI}, -1.75 to 0.08], p = 0.06). However, in severely osteoporotic cancellous bone that was augmented, the HFIA material generated more pullout force than the control (51 ± 18 versus 35 ± 16, respectively; effect size = 0.94 [95% CI, -0.02 to 1.82], p = 0.05). In stripped holes, HFIA partially restored pullout strength but remained weaker than controls in both osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic bone models (osteoporotic: 320 ± 59 versus 607 ± 76, respectively; effect size = -4.28 [95% CI, -5.57 to -2.51], p < 0.001; severely osteoporotic: 21 ± 8 versus 35 ± 16, respectively; effect size = -1.13 [95% CI, -2.0 to 0.12], p = 0.027). HFIA effectively augmented severely osteoporotic bone for screw purchase, but this effect was not seen for osteoporotic bone. In a model simulating both osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic bone, we found that HFIA can be used to repair stripped screw holes, but the resulting construct remains weaker than nonstripped controls. The HFIA material looks promising as a potential solution to stripped screws in osteoporotic bone. However, this material has yet to be tested in human bone. Furthermore, the fine mesh material could be damaged by autoclaving and could break off in vivo causing unknown tissue reactions. We recommend additional testing in a living animal model to better understand how living bone will react to the HFIA material.

Comparison study of the pullout strength of conventional spinal pedicle screws and a novel design in full and backed-out insertions using mechanical tests

Recently, new pedicle screw designs have been developed. However, these designs' performances are still unclear, especially when backed out after insertion. The objective of this study was to investigate the performances of different screw designs when backed out from full insertion. Seven conventional designs of the pedicle screw and one novel design were inserted into polyurethane foam (0.32 g/cm(3)). All screws were first fully inserted (43 mm) and were backed out 360°. Axial pullout tests were performed and the reaction force was measured. The results showed that the conical screw of type 1 with a small inner diameter provided the highest pullout strength in both full insertion and backed-out insertion (2401.85 and 2169.82 N, respectively). However, this screw's pullout strength significantly decreased (9.7%) when backed out from full insertion. There was no significant difference between the conical screw of type 1 with a small inner diameter and double duo core screw (p > 0.01) in backed-out insertion. The cylindrical screw with a small diameter, dual inner core screw and double dual core screw also provided good results in both full insertion (2115.44, 2182.99 and 2226.93 N, respectively) and backed-out conditions (2065.80, 2014.28 and 1941.29 N, respectively). The increased pullout strength of the conical design could be due to the effect of bone compaction. However, the screw exhibited less consistent pullout strength when backed out when compared with the other designs. The conical screw should be inserted to the precise position without turning back, especially in osteoporosis patients. The dual inner core screw and double dual core screw could provide greater stability in both conditions. Care should be taken when using both the cylindrical screw with a small thread depth and the dual outer core screw.

Does Maximum Torque Mean Optimal Pullout Strength of Screws?

To determine the relationship between insertion torque and pullout strength of 3.5-mm-diameter cortical screws in cadaveric humeri with different bone mineral densities (BMDs). Five pairs of human humeri from each of 3 BMD groups (normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic) were used. Holes were drilled in each humerus, and maximum insertion torque (T(max)) was measured by tightening a screw until stripping occurred. In the remaining holes, screws were tightened to 50%, 70%, or 90% of the T(max). A servohydraulic testing machine pulled each screw out at 1 mm/s while resulting force and axial displacement were recorded at 10 Hz. The authors checked for an effect of insertion torque (percent T(max)) on pullout strength using a general linearized and latent mixed model (Stata10), controlling for cortical thickness and BMD (T-score). Pullout strength for normal and osteoporotic bone was greatest for screws inserted to 50% T(max) and was significantly greater than that at T(max) but not significantly different from that at 70% or 90% T(max). For osteopenic bone, pullout strength was greatest at 70% peak torque, but it was not significantly different from the pullout strength at the 50% or 90% T(max) levels. Tightening screws beyond 50% T(max) does not increase pullout strength of the screw and may place bone at risk for damage that might result in loss of fixation. Even after adjusting for bone thickness and density, there is no clear relationship between pullout strength and screw torque.

Screw Orientation and Foam Density Interaction in Pullout of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Plates

ABSTRACT Introduction Previous studies demonstrated increases in single screw pullout strength with increases in material density. Recent anterior cervical interbody fusion plate pullout studies utilizing a polyurethane foam block model have shown that alterations in screw insertion angle from straight-in are not associated with an increase in pullout strength. The purpose of this study is to characterize the pullout strength of an anterior lumber interbody fusion (ALIF) plate when installed at various screw angles in different simulated bone densities. Materials and methods: Ninety ALIF plate pullout tests were performed using three common screw insertion angles in polyurethane (PU) foam blocks of three densities: 0.08 g/cm3, 0.16 g/cm3 and 0.24 g/cm3, simulating severely, mildly and nonosteoporotic cancellous bone, respectively. Plates were pulled out axially at 1 mm/min and pullout strength and stiffness compared. Results Doubling foam density yielded 2.6-fold and 3.0-fold increases (p &lt; 0.05) in mean pullout strength and stiffness, respectively. Tripling foam density yielded 4.5-fold and 5.3-fold increases (p &lt; 0.05) in mean pullout strength and stiffness, respectively. Screw angle placement contributed relatively less to pullout strength and stiffness compared to PU foam density. Conclusion In our model, ALIF plate pullout strength and stiffness appear to be more associated with increased foam block density than screw trajectory. Vertebral bone density should be a strong consideration in preoperative planning for ALIF with plating. Screw trajectory should be based on vascular anatomy and screw placement safety, rather than the classic lateral-to-medial trajectory. Patacxil WM, Palmer DK, Rios D, Inceoglu S, Williams PA, Cheng WK. Screw Orientation and Foam Density Interaction in Pullout of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Plates. The Duke Orthop J 2012;2(1):35-39.

Relationship Between Insertion Torque, and Pullout Strength Depending on the Size of the Pilot Hole and Biodegradable Suture Anchor in Osteoporotic Humeral Head

PURPOSE: The object of this study was to investigate the difference in torque and pullout strength between the standard anchor insertion (5.0 mm) with a small awl (3.7 mm) and larger anchor insertion (6.5 mm), with a standard awl (5.0 mm) in osteoporotic humeral head.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The embalmed 24 paired cadaveric shoulders were assigned to either Group A or B. After measuring the bone mineral density (BMD) of the ROI (region of interest) in the humeral head, 5.0 mm suture anchors were inserted using a 3.7 mm awl in Group A1, and the same 5.0 mm anchors were inserted using a 5.0 mm awl in Group A2. The 5.0 mm anchors were inserted using a 5.0 mm awl in Group B1, and 6.5 mm anchors were inserted using a 5.0 mm awl in Group B2. We measured the torques at the time of the anchor insertion and pullout strengths.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the BMD between the groups. The torque of A1 (20.6 cN.m) was significantly higher than that of A2 (13.2 cN.m), and the torque of B2 (20.8 cN.m) was significantly higher than that of B1(12.1 cN.m). However, the difference in the increased torque between group A and B was not significant. The pullout strength of A1 (204.2 N) was significantly higher than that of A2 (152.9 N), and the pullout strength of B2 (210.9 N) was significantly higher than that of B1 (149.5 N). However, the difference in the increased pullout strength between Group A and B was not significant.CONCLUSION: In severe osteoporosis, the use of a larger suture anchor with a standard awl increased the torque and pullout strength significantly, in comparison to the use of the same sized suture anchor and awl. If there is an inadequate interval between the anchors on the greater tuberosity, the use of a 3.7 mm awl and 5.0 mm anchor will be beneficial compared to that of a 5.0 mm awl and 6.5 mm anchor, considering that an increase in the pullout strength does not depend on the awl size.

Strategies of Spinal Fusion on Osteoporotic Spine

The prevalence of osteoporosis has been increasing globally. Recently surgical indications for elderly patients with osteoporosis have been increasing. However, only few strategies are available for osteoporotic patients who need spinal fusion. Osteoporosis is a result of negative bone remodeling from enhanced function of the osteoclasts. Because bone formation is the result of coupling between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, anti-resorptive agents that induce osteoclast apoptosis may not be effective in spinal fusion surgery, necessitating new bone formation. Therefore, anabolic agents may be more suitable for osteoporotic patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery. The instrumentations and techniques with increased pullout strength may increase fusion rate through rigid fixation. Studies on new osteoinductive materials, methods to increase osteogenic cells, strengthened and biocompatible osteoconductive scaffolds are necessary to enable osteoporotic patients to undergo spinal fusion. When osteoporotic patients undergo spinal fusion, surgeons should consider appropriate osteoporosis medication, instrumentation and technique.

Zementverteilung bei Vertebroplastieschrauben unterschiedlichen Designs

The effects of deteriorated bone density become particularly apparent in cases where spinal instrumentation is needed. Cement augmentation of pedicle screws for better bone purchase became the subject of many studies, which proved the biomechanical superiority and the increased pullout strength of cement augmented screws. Inadequate, and sometimes dangerous, cement distribution made the need for development of special implants inevitable. Pedicle screws with side openings and a central drill hole allow cement augmentation through the implant and increase not only the screw diameter but also the interfacial strength between the three components (screw-cement-bone). Accordingly cement distribution can be affected by the selection of the side openings (size and position). Screws with conical core and distally situated side openings facilitate the development of uniform cement dough.

Bioabsorbable Tricalcium Phosphate Bone Cement Strengthens Fixation of Suture Anchors

Failure of suture anchor fixation in rotator cuff repair can occur at different interfaces. Prior studies show fixation at the bone-anchor interface can be augmented using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement, and screw fixation into bone can be strengthened using bioabsorbable tricalcium phosphate cement. We wished to determine whether augmentation of suture anchor fixation using bioabsorbable tricalcium phosphate cement would increase pullout strength of suture anchors from bone and the number of cycles to failure, to determine the mode of failure after cement augmentation, and to compare strength and mode of failure with those after augmentation with PMMA. We used 10 matched pairs of cadaveric proximal humeri and implanted a metal screw-type suture anchor in one side and on the other side injected tricalcium phosphate cement into the anchor holes before anchor placement. We tested all specimens to failure using a ramped cyclic loading protocol. Tricalcium phosphate cement augmentation increased the final load to failure by 29% and the number of cycles to failure by 20%. Visual inspection confirmed that failure occurred at the cement-bone interface. Tricalcium phosphate cement appears to augment suture anchor fixation into bone, reducing the risk of anchor pullout and failure. When relying on suture anchor fixation in bone of questionable quality, we suggest considering augmentation of suture anchor fixation with bioabsorbable cement. This method also provides potential for bioabsorbability and may be more amenable to arthroscopic application.

Mechanical Evaluation of a 4-mm Cancellous “Rescue” Screw in Osteoporotic Cortical Bone: A Cadaveric Study

Obtaining sufficient fracture fixation in osteoporotic bone is challenging. The purposes of the current study were (1) to compare the pullout strength of a 4-mm cancellous screw (cancellous screw group) with that of a 3.5-mm cortical screw (cortical screw group), and (2) to measure the pullout strength of a 4-mm cancellous screw placed as a rescue screw (rescue screw group) in a stripped 3.5-mm cortical screw (stripped screw group) hole while controlling for bone density and cortical thickness. We inserted 4 screws, one from each experimental group, into 11 osteoporotic cadaveric radii, while recording the insertion torque. Radii were mounted on a servohydraulic testing machine, and each screw was pulled out at a rate of 5 mm/min. Pullout strength was recorded. The effects of cortical thickness (near, far, and total), bone density, insertion torque, and the experimental screw group (cortical, cancellous, stripped, and rescue screw groups) on pullout strength were analyzed using multiple linear regression with random effects. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. There was no significant difference in pullout strength between the cortical and cancellous screw groups. The rescue screw group had significantly less pullout strength than did the cortical and cancellous screws, and only partly increased pullout strength compared with stripped screws. Bone density significantly affected pullout strength, but insertion torque and cortical thickness were not significant covariates. There seems to be no advantage in using a cancellous screw over a cortical screw in bicortical fixation in osteoporotic bone. Although the rescue screw provided greater pullout strength than the stripped screw, it is unknown if the purchase it provides is clinically sufficient.

Bearing area: A new indication for suture anchor pullout strength?

Studies performed to quantify the pullout strength of suture anchors have not adequately defined the basic device parameters that control monotonic pullout. The bearing area of a suture anchor can be used to understand and predict anchor pullout strength in a soft-bone model. First, conical-shaped test samples were varied in size and shape and tested for pullout in 5, 8, and 10 pcf sawbone models. Next, bearing area and pullout strength relationships developed from the test samples were validated against nine commercially available suture anchors, including the Mitek QuickAnchor and SpiraLok, Opus Magnum(2), ArthroCare ParaSorb, and Arthrex BioCorkscrew. The samples showed a direct correlation between bearing area and pullout strength. Increased insertion depth was a secondary condition that also increased pullout strength. The pullout strength for the suture anchors followed the predicted trends of conical devices based on their individual bearing areas. For the 5 and 8 pcf models, only two and three devices, respectively, fell outside the predicted pullout strength range by more than a standard deviation. The use of a synthetic sawbone model was validated against the pullout strength of an Arthrex Corkscrew in five fresh-frozen cadaver humeral heads. The bearing area of a suture anchor can be used to predict the pullout strength independent of design in a soft-bone model. This work helps provide a foundation to understand the principles that affect the pullout strength of suture anchors.

A Biomechanical Evaluation of Three Revision Screw Strategies for Failed Lateral Mass Fixation

This is a biomechanical study evaluating 3 revision strategies for failed cervical lateral mass screw fixation. Our primary objective was to compare, following a Magerl trajectory screw failure in the subaxial cervical spine, the pullout strength of (1) a revision screw in the same trajectory, (2) a Roy-Camille trajectory, and (3) pedicle screw fixation. We additionally analyzed the contributions of bone mineral density (BMD) and peak insertional torque to pullout strength. Biomechanical studies that have examined revision screw strategies for lateral mass fixation have found either unsatisfactory or highly variable performance. Fresh frozen cervical spinal segments were harvested and BMD testing performed. Bicortical (3.5-mm Vertex) lateral mass screws were placed in a Magerl trajectory in 57 fresh frozen human subaxial cervical vertebrae. All screws were then stripped and revision screws (4.0-mm Vertex) placed using either the same screw path or conversion to a Roy-Camille trajectory. In line pullout testing was performed on each of the revision screws (57 in Magerl revision group, 55 in Roy-Camille). Specimens that had not fractured during testing then had cervical pedicle screws (3.5-mm Vertex) placed and in-line pullout testing repeated (64 pedicles were instrumented) The pullout failure results of the Magerl revision, Roy-Camille revision, and pedicle screw revision groups were compared. No significant difference was noted in insertional torque (0.28-Nm Magerl, 0.35 Nm Roy-Camille, P > 0.05) or pullout (382-N Magerl, 351 N Roy-Camille, P > 0.05) between the Magerl and Roy-Camille revision groups. Pedicle screw revision had greater pullout strength (566 N) when compared with either the Magerl (382 N) or Roy-Camille (351 N) revision groups (P < 0.01) but also had a 20% pedicle wall breech rate by visual inspection. Insertional torque and pullout strength increased with increased BMD and were significantly correlated in all 3 revision groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, increased BMD was associated with increased pullout strength as demonstrated by the significant positive correlation (P < 0.05). Conversion of a stripped lateral mass screw to an alternate trajectory appears to offer no biomechanical advantage over placement of an increased diameter salvage screw using the same trajectory. Pedicle screw fixation provides superior biomechanical fixation but was associated with a significant breech rate.

Effect of Insertional Temperature on the Pullout Strength of Pedicle Screws Inserted Into Thoracic Vertebrae

The axial pullout strength of pedicle screws that were at different temperatures when inserted was compared in calf vertebrae. To determine if insertional temperature of the screw itself affects pullout strength. Fixation stability of pedicle screws depend on several factors. The development of alternate insertion techniques and screw designs were used to improve the stability. Polymethylmethacrylate and calcium sulfate augmentation have been shown to be viable options for improving fixation; but have the potential disadvantages. Three cadaveric thoracic calf spines were instrumented between T1-T10 bilaterally with one type of pedicle screws stored at different insertional temperatures. The axial pullout tests were performed at cross head speed of 5 mm/min. Pullout loads and displacement were recorded at 1/20 seconds intervals until failure occurred. The highest pullout force was obtained with the screws inserted at 4 degrees C. These screws had a 19% increase in pullout strength compared with the screws inserted at 24 degrees C. The highest force/torque proportion was gained in the same group as 0.30 kn/Nm. The technique showed increased pullout force with the screws inserted at 4 degrees C. Using pedicle screws stored at 4 degrees C before instrumentation, seems reasonable in an attempt to obtain a better bone-screw interface.

Pullout Strength and Load to Failure Properties of Self-Tapping Cortical Screws in Synthetic and Cadaveric Environments Representative of Healthy and Osteoporotic Bone

The parameters of self-tapping screw (STS) performance in normal and osteoporotic bone have been defined in representative environments, but the question remains as to the clinical application of such findings. The goal of this study was to analyze the biomechanical performance of STSs in cadaveric and synthetic environments representative of healthy and osteoporotic bone. Ninety-six Synthes STSs were inserted into cadaveric and synthetic models representative of osteoporotic and healthy bone. Screws were inserted to depths of 1 mm short of the far cortex, flush and 1 mm and 2 mm beyond the far cortex. Screws were tested with an Instron 8511 material testing system utilizing axial pullout forces. A SAS procedure was used to conduct analysis of variance for unbalanced datasets. Substantial differences were appreciated with respect to screw performance between osteoporotic and healthy bone specimens. Although a similar pattern of increased pullout strength and loading energy with increasing depth of insertion was demonstrated, absolute values were lower in osteoporotic specimens. Although performance trends were similar in cadaveric and synthetic testing models for both osteoporotic and healthy bone, values obtained during testing were different. Incomplete insertion of STSs resulted in a 21.5% and 37% reduction of biomechanical properties in osteoporotic and normal bone, respectively. These results indicate that previously published findings on the performance of STSs in synthetic models cannot reasonably be applied to the clinical realm. Although trends may be similar, screw performance in synthetic, as compared with cadaveric, models is markedly different.

Screw orientation and plate type (variable- vs. fixed-angle) effect strength of fixation for in vitro biomechanical testing of the Synthes CSLP

Background context Two common justifications for orienting cervical screws in an angled direction are to increase pullout strength and to allow use of longer screws. This concept is widely taught and has guided implant design. Fixed- versus variable-angle systems may offer strength advantages. Despite these teachings, there is a paucity of supporting biomechanical evidence. The purpose of our study is to test the influence of screw orientation and plate design on the maximum screw pullout force. Purpose This study evaluates the effect of screw orientation and plate type (fixed- vs. variable-angle) on screw pullout strength. Study design Anterior cervical plates of both a fixed- and variable-angle CSLP, were tested for peak pullout strength in a direct plate pullout model using polyurethane foam bone, which models osteoporotic bone. Methods Self-tapping, locking screws (4.0×14 mm and 4.0×16 mm) were used. Screws were oriented in the fixed-angle plate in the standard fashion. In the variable plate, screws were instrumented in three different orientations. Biomechanical testing was performed on an Instron DynaMight 8841 servohydraulic testing machine, measuring maximum pullout force under a displacement-controlled pullout rate of 1 mm/min. Five samples were tested per group. Results When all screws were placed 90° to the plate, there was a significantly increased peak pullout strength (412.8±22.2 N) compared with when all screws were placed 12° “up and in” (376.2±24.3 N, p less than or equal to .03). When the 90° construct was reproduced using 14-mm screws and compared with 16-mm screws oriented 12° “all up and in,” there was still significantly higher pullout strength with the all 90° construct (434.2±28.7 N vs. 376.2±24.3 N, p less than or equal to .009). The fixed-angle plate had a significantly decreased peak pullout strength (288.2±15.7 N) compared with the variable-angle plate (416.6±12.6 N) (p less than .00001) when the screws were placed in the same orientation. Overall, the variable-angle plate, regardless of the orientation of screws, had a significantly greater pullout strength than the fixed-angle plate (p less than .001). Conclusions In this system, a variable-angle plate has greater pullout strength than a fixed-angle plate, regardless of the orientation of screws. With the variable-angle plate, a construct of all screws 12° “up and in” is the weakest configuration. We found that with the 90° construct, both 16- and 14-mm screws performed significantly better than 16-mm convergent screws. These findings are remarkable because they contradict the current doctrine. This may be a function of plate-dependent factors and should not be applied universally to all plate systems. Further study of screw orientation in additional plating systems is warranted.

Stainless steel screws coated with bisphosphonates gave stronger fixation and more surrounding bone. Histomorphometry in rats

Coating of stainless steel screws with bisphosphonate in a fibrinogen matrix leads to an enhancement of the pullout strength 2 weeks after insertion in rat tibiae. This effect then increases over time until at least 8 weeks. The pullout force reflects the mechanical properties of the bone within the threads, which acts as a screw nut. The aim of the present study was to find descriptive and morphometric histological correlates to the increased pullout strength. Because the bisphosphonates are applied via the implant surface, we also measured bone to implant contact and how far away from the surface any effects could be seen. Stainless steel screws underwent one of three treatments: uncoated control, controls coated with a layer of cross-linked fibrinogen, or screws further modified with bisphosphonates covalently linked and physically adsorbed to the fibrinogen layer. At 1 ( n = 33) and 8 ( n = 27) weeks, bone to implant contact and bone area density in the threads were measured, as well as bone area density at 250 and 500 μm from the outer edge of the threads. Additionally, removal torque for each screw treatment was measured at 2 weeks ( n = 28). At 8 weeks, the part of the bisphosphonate screw that was located in the marrow cavity had become surrounded with bone, whereas there was almost no bone surrounding the controls. The bone area density in the threads along the entire bisphosphonate screw was increased by 40% compared with uncoated controls, and at 250 μm distance it was more than doubled. At 1 week, coated screws had less implant–bone contact, but at 8 weeks there was no difference between uncoated and bisphosphonate-coated screws. The bisphosphonate screws had 50% increased removal torque at 2 weeks compared to uncoated screws. Howship's lacunae and osteoclasts were found near the screws with bisphosphonates at 8 weeks, suggesting that some bone remodeling took place near the implant, in spite of the presence of bisphosphonates.

Defective Implant Osseointegration Under Protein Undernutrition: Prevention by PTH or Pamidronate

Protein deficiency is associated with impaired titanium osseointegration. We studied whether systemic treatment with PTH or pamidronate could influence the resistance to pull-out of titanium rods implanted into rats proximal tibia under normal and isocaloric low protein intake. PTH or pamidronate prevented the deleterious effects of protein undernutrition on bone microarchitecture close to the implant and on mechanical fixation. PTH even significantly improved implant osseointegration. Protein deficiency is highly prevalent among elderly patients hospitalized in orthopedic wards. Reduced protein intake impairs titanium osseointegration in rats. Whether stimulator of bone formation or inhibitor of bone resorption could improve implant osseointegration under protein deprivation is not known. We studied the effects of systemic treatment with PTH or pamidronate on the resistance to pull-out of titanium rods implanted into rats proximal tibia under normal and isocaloric low protein intake. We measured the resistance to pull-out 1-mm-diameter titanium rods implanted into the proximal tibias of 49 adult female rats receiving a normal or an isocaloric low protein diet. After 2 wk on either diet, the implants were inserted, and the rats received PTH(1-34), pamidronate or saline vehicle for 8 wk. The tibias were removed for microCT morphometry, followed by the evaluation of pull-out strength. Pull-out strength was lower in rats fed an isocaloric low protein diet compared with rats fed a normal protein intake (-29%). PTH and pamidronate significantly increased pull-out strength in animals fed a normal or a low protein diet, the effect of PTH being of higher magnitude. The PTH- or pamidronate-mediated increase in pull-out strength was associated with significant increases of relative bone volume, bone-to-implant contact, and trabecular thickness, whereas trabecular spacing was reduced, in the vicinity of the implants. We confirmed that isocaloric low protein intake impairs titanium implant osseointegration. PTH or pamidronate prevented the deleterious effects of protein undernutrition and even significantly improved the implant osseointegration. These results indicate that systemic administration of PTH or pamidronate could be considered for preventing uncemented arthroplasty loosening in protein undernourished patients.

Effect of Pilot-Hole Size on the Pullout Strength of Flexor Digitorum Longus Transfer Fixed with a Bioabsorbable Screw

Fixation of tendon transfers with a bioabsorbable interference-fit screw has several advantages over other fixation methods: decreased dissection, operative time, and blood loss; preservation of tendon length; no interference with radiographic studies; no need for implant removal; and no barrier to revision surgery. Whether strength of fixation is affected by the size of the pilot hole has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pilot hole size on the pullout strength of a flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon secured into a bone analog using a 5.5-mm bioabsorbable screw. Thirty FDL tendons were harvested from 15 cadaver specimens and secured into predrilled 4 x 4 x 4 cm bone cubes with a 5.5-mm Arthrex bioabsorbable screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL). The use of bone analog foam cubes ensured consistent porosity at the insertion site, eliminating the variations associated with varying bone densities of cadaver specimens. Pilot hole sizes studied were 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6.0 mm. Pullout tests were done with an servohydraulic testing frame (MTS, Eden Prairie, MN). There was no significant difference (p = 0.4) between the pullout forces and stresses among the three pilot hole sizes. All specimens failed at the interface between the FDL and the bioabsorbable screw. In the 6.0-mm pilot hole group, there was a trend for increased pullout strength with increased tendon size. With a bioabsorbable 5.5-mm screw used for FDL transfer, a pilot hole the same size or a half millimeter larger or smaller than the screw had no statistically significant effect on the strength of the construct, even with tendons of different sizes.

반복하중을 받는 외부 보-기둥 접합부에서 작은 헤드를 사용한 Headed Bar적용

The applicability of headed bars in exterior beam-column joints under reversed cyclic loading was investigated. A total of ten pullout tests were first performed to examine pullout behavior of headed bars subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading with test variables such as connection type between head and bar stem (weld or no weld), loading methods (monotonic or cyclic loading), and head shape (small or large circular head and square head). Two full-scale beam-column joint tests were then performed to compare the structural behavior of exterior beam-column joints constructed using two different reinforcement details: i.e. standard hooks and headed bars. Both joints were designed following the recommendations of ACI-ASCE Committee 352 for Type 2 performance: i.e. the connection is required to dissipate energy through reversals of deformation into inelastic range. The pullout test results revealed that welded head to the stem did not necessarily result in increased pullout strength when compared to non-welded head. Relatively large circular head resulted in higher peak load than smaller circular and square head. Both beam-column joints with conventional hooks and headed bars behaved similarly in terms of crack development, hysteresis curves, and peak strengths. The joint using the headed bars showed better overall structural performance in terms of ductility, deformation capacity, and energy dissipation. These experimental results demonstrate that the headed bars using relatively small head can be properly designed far use in external beam-column joint.

Effects of angle and laminectomy on triangulated pedicle screws

We aimed to demonstrate the effect of angle and laminectomy on paired pedicle screws to determine whether a 90° screw angle is optimal as has been previously suggested. According to the angle between right and left screws, 28 calf vertebrae were divided into three groups and instrumented as follows: Group I: 60° screw angle; Group II: 90° angle; Group III: 60° angle with laminectomy. The screws were connected using rods and cross-fixators and tested to peak pullout force. Triangulated pedicle screws provided 76.5% more pullout strength than single screws. Most of the specimens failed through loss of convergence angle (toggling of screws on the rods) and subsequent uni- or bilateral screw pullout. Mean ± SD peak loads were: Group I: 2071 ± 622 N; Group II: 1753 ± 497 N; Group III: 2186 ± 587 N. The differences were not significant ( p > 0.05). 90° triangulation was not associated with a superior pullout performance versus conventional 60° triangulation, suggesting that achieving additional triangulation angle is not necessary to obtain increased pullout strength. Laminectomy did not alter the effect of triangulation on fixation strength.

A Comparison of Pullout Strength for Pedicle Screws of Different Designs

The pullout strengths of various pedicle screw designs are compared using tapped and untapped pilot holes. The objective of this study is to compare the pullout strength of various pedicle screw designs. The designs are compared using tapped and untapped pilot holes. By using several different screw designs, it is possible to gain an understanding of whether there is a correlation between tapping a pilot hole and the ultimate pullout strength. Most bone screws originally developed were intended to be installed in a pretapped pilot hole. This same technology has been carried over to the development of more modern bone screws for use in spinal fixation applications. Many pedicle screws in use today are still intended to be installed in a tapped hole. Preparing the vertebrae and tapping of a pilot hole involve additional trauma to the patient as well as increased operating time. Pedicle screws from various manufacturers are installed in tapped and untapped pilot holes and then loaded to failure. A uniform synthetic material was used to provide a consistent test of each screw design by eliminating variability seen in bone. Tapping pilot holes did not increase the pullout strength of the screws tested in this study. It was observed during testing that tapping some of the holes degraded the material. This degradation led to pullout strengths that were lower than in the untapped case, and generally larger standard deviations. The pullout strength was not increased by tapping for the screws in this study. Screws placed in untapped holes generally had higher pullout strengths and lower standard deviations. The results of this study suggest that tapping does not increase pullout strength in bone with densities near 20 lb/ft3, which correlates with low density cancellous or osteoporotic bone.