Mechanical comparison of straight and pre-bent interlocking nails used for the stabilization of a tibial gap fracture model

Abstract

Objective: To compare the mechanical behavior of straight (STRT) and pre-bent (BENT) I-Loc angle-stable interlocking nails (AS-ILN) used for stabilization of canine mid-diaphyseal tibial fractures. Study design: In vitro experimental study. Sample population: Tibial gap fracture models (n = 5/group). Methods: Tibial models simulating a comminuted mid-diaphyseal fracture were stabilized with either a STRT or BENT I-Loc AS-ILN. Bent nails were contoured to match the 10° tibial recurvatum of a mid-size dog. Constructs were subjected to cyclic eccentric compressive loads followed by ramp load until failure. Construct compliance, maximum compressive load and resistive torque, yield load and angular deformation at 450 N were statistically compared using t-tests (p