Seitz W H, Froimson A I, Brooks D B, Postak P, Polando G, Greenwald A S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
J Hand Surg Am. 1991 May;16(3):560-3. doi: 10.1016/0363-5023(91)90033-8.
A series of identically matched pairs of fresh-frozen canine femora (approximating human radii in size and dimension) were used to mechanically compare pull-out strength between 4 mm predrilled, self-tapping, half-pins and 4 mm self-drilling, self-tapping half-pins with drill bit-like cutting flutes. A second biomechanical and videotape analysis was done comparing the differences of pin insertion by power versus hand drilling. Results indicated a mean 22% reduction in bone purchase of self-drilling, self-tapping pins compared with that of predrilled pins and a marked increase in depth of insertion required of the self-drilling pins for comparable pin purchase (10 mm). It was also observed that a visible "wobble factor" exists, which tends to weaken the pin-bone interface when hand drilling is performed.
