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Locking screw-plate interface stability in carbon-fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone proximal humerus plates

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Abstract

Purpose

Carbon-fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) plates have recently been introduced for proximal humerus fracture treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the locking screw-plate interface stability in CFR-PEEK versus stainless steel (SS) proximal humerus plates.

Methods

Locking screw mechanical stability was evaluated independently in proximal and shaft plate holes. Stiffness and load to failure were tested for three conditions: (1) on-axis locking screw insertion in CFR-PEEK versus SS plates, (2) on-axis locking screw insertion, removal, and reinsertion in CFR-PEEK plates, and (3) 10-degree off-axis locking screw insertion in CFR-PEEK plates. Cantilever bending at a rate of 1 mm/minute was produced by an Instron machine and load-displacement data recorded.

Results

Shaft locking screw load to failure was significantly greater in CFR-PEEK plates compared to SS plates (746.4 ± 89.7 N versus 596.5 ± 32.6 N, p < 0.001). The stiffness and load to failure of shaft locking screws was significantly decreased when inserted 10 degrees off-axis compared to on-axis in CFR-PEEK plates (p < 0.001). Stiffness and load to failure did not vary significantly following screw reinsertion in CFR-PEEK plates.

Conclusion

The mechanical stability of locking screws in CFR-PEEK plates is comparable or superior to locking screws in SS plates.

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Acknowledgements

The Carbo-Fix plates and screws used in their study were obtained through a grant from Invibio (Lancashire, UK). Synthes (West Chester PA, USA) provided the stainless steel plates and screws used in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center / University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA

    David J. Hak

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Ryan Fader & Todd Baldini

  3. University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Vivek B. S. Chadayammuri

Authors
  1. David J. Hak
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  2. Ryan Fader
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  3. Todd Baldini
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  4. Vivek B. S. Chadayammuri
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David J. Hak.

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Conflicts of interests

Dr. Hak serves as a paid consultant for Invibio Inc. Mr. Baldini has received financial support from SMV Scientific and Stryker Endoscopy, outside of the presented work. All other authors have no relevant financial relationships.

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Hak, D.J., Fader, R., Baldini, T. et al. Locking screw-plate interface stability in carbon-fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone proximal humerus plates. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 41, 1735–1739 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-017-3562-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-017-3562-7

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