Apex Tibial Nailing System Whitepaper Demonstrating Enhanced Fatigue Life with Micromotion Fixation
The Apex Tibial Nailing System features a unique gliding insert system that reduces mechanical stress in the proximal screws and extends construct fatigue life.
Bone screw fatigue failure can be a concern in intramedullary fixation, particularly when selecting implants for use in larger patients and those who may be at risk for delayed bone healing. Known risk factors for delayed healing include open fracture, infection, high-energy injury, diabetes, and smoking, among others. These injuries are associated with a longer expected time-frame for healing and a greater risk of screw breakage and revision surgery.
A construct with proven extended fatigue life is important for all patients, however there are patients who may be at risk for compromised bone healing and they require special attention in surgical planning and construct selection.
An orthopaedic surgeon may therefore wish to select an implant construct based on factors including the anticipated fatigue life.
Accordingly, the purpose of this investigation was to test the performance of the Apex Tibial Nailing System under mechanical loading conditions representative of prolonged physiological weight-bearing with absent bony bridging.
The Apex Tibial Nailing System screws were tested against those of a brand leader in intramedullary nailing.