Biomechanical analysis of the Medoff sliding plate

Background: A new device for fixation of hip fractures the Medoff plate was biomechanically tested and compared with the Ambi plate and Gamma nail. Methods: Six pairs of human cadaveric femurs were used. The characteristics evaluated were structural stiffness, strain distribution, and modes of fai lure, Results were compared with the Ambi plate and Gamma nail biomechanical stud ies from a previous study that used the same methods. Results: The Medoff p late was stiffer than the other two implants for intertrochanteric fracture s, and for segmental subtrochanteric fracture. The Medoff plate was more lo ad sharing than the other implants in these fracture configurations. The me an load to failure was lower than for the Ambi plate or the Gamma nail. Conclusion: The Medoff plate is a better load-sharing device than the Ambi (DHS) or Gamma nail systems. The main concern is its structural weakness. T he implant failed at loads 50% less than other devices. The greatest risk o f implant failure is with unstable subtrochanteric fractures.