Shear strength of a distal rabbit femur during consolidation of an osteotomy fixed with a polylactide expansion plug.

Abstract

The consolidation of a transverse transcondylar osteotomy of the distal rabbit femur, fixed with a self-reinforced polylactide expansion plug, was studied radiographically and mechanically. The peak shear force was assessed by stressing the osteotomy site to failure. The intact contralateral femur of the same rabbit served as a control. Fifteen rabbits were tested in groups of five animals with follow-up times of 6, 12 or 24 wk after fixation of the osteotomy. The absorbable plug, measuring 4.5 mm in diameter and 30 mm in length, had an expandable distal locking blade system. Thirteen osteotomies showed a radiographically solid bony union. The mean shear strength of the specimens was 3.5 MPa at 6 wk, 3.5 MPa at 12 wk and 4.3 MPa at 24 wk. The mean shear strength of the control distal femora was 3.6 MPa. In conclusion, the fixation properties of the newly developed absorbable expansion plug were deemed satisfactory in this experimental fracture model.