A BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF AN INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION DEVICE FOR INTERTROCHANTERIC FRACTURES

The strength and stability of an intramedullary device when used to fi x intertrochanteric fractures were determined and compared with the dy namic hip screw (DHS). A standard four-part osteotomy was created in e ight paired fresh frozen human cadaver femurs. The intramedullary fixa tion device and a DHS were implanted in each pair member, and mechanic al testing was performed. Micromotion was measured during cyclic loadi ng to determine implant stability, and then the specimens were loaded to failure. The intramedullary fixation device had significantly great er stability in cyclic loading than the DHS and required more than twi ce the force for failure. For patients with osteoporosis, this device may be a useful alternative to standard sliding nail systems.