Abstract :
Purpose: Despite the advances in fixation methods for tibial shaft fractures using intramedullary nails
(IM), implant failure continues to be a major cause for reoperation. The failure of an implant depends
on its physical, chemical and biomechanical properties. Biomechanical properties of tibial nails from
international manufacturers have been exhaustively studied and reported. Regionally manufactured nails
lack such specific biomechanical data from independent researches and surgeons. In this pilot study,
we analyzed the biomechanical properties of three commonly used regionally manufactured nails in
comparison to three internationally manufactured nails available in the market.
Methodology: A total of six titanium IM nails from six manufacturers (three regional manufacturers
(India); R1, R2, R3 and three international; G1 G2, G3) were procured and subjected to static four-point
bending tests and static axial loading test according to the American society for testing materials (ASTM)
F1264 guidelines. The bending structural stiffness and fatigue strength were then calculated.
Results: The load required for plastic deformation for regional nails were 2520 Newtons (N) for R1, 2760
N for R2, 2760 N for R3 and for international nails, it was 3070 N for G1, 2220 N for G2, 2930 N for
G3. The comparative data suggests that the internationally manufactured nails were much stiffer than the
regional nails.
Conclusion: This pilot study provides a reference to the Orthopaedic community about the standards of
existing intramedullary nails. This data is a value addition in expanding the research and to direct towards
reforms in the standardization of manufacturing and usage of the intramedullary nails.
Keyword :
Biomechanical study, Implant failure, Tibial nails.