Objective To explore the biomechanical difference between the different fixations of cortical bone plate allograft. Methods Twenty-seven cadaveric femurs were harvested and were made into the simulated fracture models, which were equally divided into Groups A, B and C. In Group A, the models were fixed with 2 bone plate allografts (110 mm×10 mm×3 mm); in Group B, the models were fixed with 2 struts (110 mm×10 mm×3 mm) and 5 bone screws; in Group C, the models were fixed with 1 strut (110 mm×10 mm×3 mm) and 5 bone screws. The biomechanical tests for the three-piont bending, torsion, and compression were performed. The parameters studied included the values of the displacements in the three-piont bending tests and the compression tests, and the maximum loads during the bending, the compression, and the torsion. Results As for all the stiffness parameters tested, Group A showed the greatest displacements among the threegroups（P＜0.05）, except the compressive stiffness parameter, which was similar to that in Group B. The maximum loads of the three-point bending, the torsion, and the compression in Group A were 1.65±0.34 kN, 554.3±49.34 N, and 7.78±0.82 Nm, respectively; in Group B, they were 1.12±0.37 kN, 428.00±37.40 N,and 3.39±0.22 Nm, respectively; in Group C, they were 0.71±0.46 kN, 218.67±36.53N, and 1.74±0.12 Nm, respectively. Group A had a significantly greater strengththan the other 2 groups(P＜0.05). Conclusion The strength of the cortical bone plate allograft is related to its different fixations. The two cortical bone plate allografts have a greater strength and stiffness than the struts fixed with the bone screws, which can meet the clinical requirement.
ObjectiveTo summarize the effectiveness of anatomical plate combined with cortical bone plate allografts in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the femoral condyles. MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2012, 18 patients with comminuted fractures of the femoral condyles were treated, including 13 males and 5 females with an average age of 45 years (range, 23-65 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 11 cases, by falling from height in 4 cases, and by the other in 3 cases. The locations were the left side in 7 cases and the right side in 11 cases. Of 18 fractures, 12 were open fractures and 6 were closed fractures. The mean time from injury to operation was 6 days (range, 4-15 days). The fixation was performed by anatomical plate combined with cortical bone plate allografts, and autograft bone or allogeneic bone grafting were used. ResultsSuperficial local skin necrosis occurred in 1 case, and was cured after skin graft, and other incisions achieved primary healing. All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 23 months). X-ray films showed that bone union was achieved within 3-12 months (5.6 months on average). No related complication occurred, such as fixation loosening, refracture, infection, or immunological rejection. According to Merchan et al. criteria for knee joint function evaluation, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case at last follow-up; the excellent and good rate was 88.9%. ConclusionAnatomical plate combined with cortical bone plate allograft fixation is a good method to treat comminuted fractures of the femoral condyles. This method can effectively achieve complete cortical bone on the inside of the femur as well as provide rigid fixation.