Controlled bending instability in the healing of diaphyseal osteotomies in the rat femur.

Ninety-six rats underwent a midshaft transverse osteotomy followed by osteosynthesis with an intramedullary nail, so that the effect of bending instability on time to union and on the mechanical properties of experimental diaphyseal fracture could be evaluated. Rotation was reduced by cementing both nail ends to the bone. Rigid nails made of stainless steel were used on one group and flexible nails made of polyacetal resin were used on another group. Serial radiographs were evaluated at 4-6-week intervals. Twelve animals with either nail type were killed at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Both femora were mechanically tested and the callus diameters were measured. There was no significant difference in time to union between the two groups. The cross-sectional area of callus was significantly higher at 8 and 16 weeks in femora with flexible nails. The strength, toughness, and resilience of the bone increased in this group until 24 weeks. Between 16 and 24 weeks, these parameters did not improve in femora with rigid nails. Poorer mechanical properties in femora with steel nails are interpreted as an effect of stress protection of the bone. This study, therefore, indicates that flexible nails prevent stress protection effects without delaying union.