A solid, locked intramedullary nail, for humeral fracture fixation: a biomechanical analysis

Orthofix, a new solid interlocking intramedullary fracture fixation system, was biomechanically tested in human cadaveric humeri. The interlocking solid nail provides rigid fixation, while the targeting device lessens the need for dynamic intraoperative X-rays. Cadaveric humeri with midshaft, transverse fractures were fixed with either the Orthofix device or Broad dynamic compression plates (DCPs), and were subsequently tested nondestructively in four-point bending and destructively in torsion. The results show that the humerus/Orthofix nail construct has lower bending properties than the humerus/Broad DCP plate construct, but possesses higher torsional properties. Ease of insertion, minimal surgical exposure, superior tortional stability, and the potential for reducing X-ray exposure make the Orthofix device an attractive alternative to Broad DCP plates.<>