Comparative analysis of rigidity provided by wire and half-pin devices used for arthrodesis of the knee joint

A wire-and-half-pin device (WHPD) was offered for arthrodesis of the knee joint (AKJ). Objective Conduct mechanical tests of WHPD and a combined wire-and-half-pin device (CWHPD) to determine rigidity of osteosynthesis (RO) provided by the devices and make a comparative analysis. Material and methods To evaluate RO of WHPD and CWHPD comparative mechanical tests were carried out for the devices that are used for AKJ. WHPD was tested in two different assemblies. The tests were performed according to medical technological guidelines as outlined in “Technique for testing rigidity of transosseous osteosynthesis during preoperative planning” (Kornilov N.V. et al., 2005). Rigidity of the frames were tested longitudinally (distraction and compression) twice, total, 12 times; in frontal, sagittal and transverse planes twice for each of 3 constructs, total 18 times. Statistical analysis was produced with MedCalc software for Windows (version 12.7.8.0) using Mann-Whitney test (independent samples). Results Comparative analysis of the findings showed inconsiderable differences in RO between CWHPD and WHPD-II that we improved. Conclusion The findings allow for safe application of the device we improved for AKJ with no risk of losing RO.