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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788802
Original Research

In Vitro Biomechanical Study of Femoral Neck Fracture Fixation with Two or Three Cannulated Screws in Dogs

Fátima Maria C. Caldeira 
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science—São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Sheila C. Rahal
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science—São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Guilherme R. Cassanego 
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science—São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Celso R. Ribeiro
2   LEMM—Laboratório de Ensaios Mecânicos, Jaú, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Sergio A.A. Serrato
3   Facultad Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad del Tolima, Colômbia
,
Carlos E. Mele
4   Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (cátedra de Enfermedades Quirúrgicas), Universidade de Buenos Aires, Argentina
,
Paulo Masseran
5   Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
› Author Affiliations Funding This postdoctoral study was supported by the São Paulo State University (UNESP), FINEP (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos; Grant 01.12.0530.00); National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq—PQ 305813/2023-4).
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Abstract

Objective To evaluate the in vitro mechanical properties of basilar fractures of the femoral neck stabilized with two or three titanium-cannulated screws in dogs.

Study Design Ex vivo study.

Sample Population Cadaveric canine femur (n = 21).

Methods The bones were divided as follows: Group 1: control (no osteotomy); Group 2: osteotomy and stabilization with two cannulated screws; and Group 3: osteotomy and stabilization with three cannulated screws. All groups were tested with destructive axial compression with load applied to the femoral head. The stiffness, load, and displacement were evaluated at the failure of Group 1, and the yield load and displacement of Groups 2 and 3.

Results The placement of the three cannulated screws was more demanding than two cannulated screws because of the risk of cortical perforation, especially in the trochanteric fossa area. The smaller the width of the femoral neck, the higher the risk of cortical bone wall perforation. The intact control bones were stiffer (674 N/mm) than both the two-screw repair (90 N/mm) and three-screw repair (120 N/mm) groups (p < 0.05). The failure load was greatest for Group 1 (2692 N). The yield loads for Groups 3 and 2 were 586 and 303 N, respectively. There was no difference between groups for displacement.

Conclusion In vitro cadaveric models of femoral neck basilar fractures repaired with three cannulated screws were significantly stronger than two cannulated screws, but the clinical efficacy must be evaluated by comparing them in vitro with noncannulated stainless steel screws.

Keywords

femur - mechanical testing - fracture - cannulated screws

Authors' Contribution

F.M.C.C., S.C.R., C.R.R., and G.R.C. contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data, and data analysis and interpretation. S.A.A.S and C.E.M. contributed to data analysis and interpretation. P.M. contributed to conception of study and study design. All authors drafted, revised, and approved the submitted manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 25 January 2024

Accepted: 17 July 2024

Article published online:
01 August 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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