Hip fractures are a significant challenge in orthopaedic trauma, particularly for older adults who require stable fixation for proper healing and pain reduction. To combat these challenges, OrthoXel has developed the Vertex Hip Fracture Nailing System (Vertex HFN).

The Vertex HFN aims to provide optimal stability, versatility and usability, with two interdigitating diverging screws, a fluted press fit nail stem, and stability focused set screw. Engineered to address instability challenges, it offers adaptability for diverse patient anatomies and complex fractures.

Instability at the bone-implant interface can lead to poor healing outcomes, severe thigh pain, and increased risk of implant failure. The primary aim of this test was to compare the rotational stability of the Vertex HFN stem versus two market leaders representing a benchmark stability-enhanced hip nail (Smith and Nephew TRIGEN™ INTERTAN™) and a conventional hip nail (Stryker Gamma3™).

This study used a custom test setup to securely hold samples, control rotation, and accurately record movements. It focused on the proximal nail stem, excluding shaft-related design variables, to compare rotational stability. Three systems were tested:

• OrthoXel Vertex HFN – Fluted press-fit nail stem for enhanced rotational stability.
• Smith & Nephew INTERTAN™ – Trapezoidal stem designed for improved fixation.
• Stryker Gamma3™ – Standard round nail stem, serving as the control.

The nail samples were placed in representative bone foam material. Once correctly seated, samples were rotated within the bone foam at 0.1 Revolutions (REV)/minute until 10° of displacement. Rotational resistance was evaluated from initial seating to 10° of rotation, highlighting stability differences among tested implants.

It was measured in two ways: break-free resistance, indicating the force needed to overcome initial seating, and malrotation torque, showing resistance after that point. Vertex HFN showed the highest resistance in both measures (3.53 ± 0.36 N·m/deg and 6.31 ± 0.36 N·m), followed by INTERTAN™ (2.07 ± 0.27 N·m/deg, 2.62 ± 0.19 N·m), and Gamma3™ had the lowest (0.10 ± 0.11 N·m/deg, 0.27 ± 0.14 N·m).