Mechanical strength of sliding crew-plate hip implants. A biomechanical study of unstable trochanteric fractures. VI.

Static load testing of sliding screw-plate hip implants manufactured from Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum alloy or 316 LVM stainless steel was performed. Implant angles of 135 degrees and 150 degrees were applied and the telescoping ability eliminated by gluing the screw to the barrel of the implant. In comparison with the results obtained in tests of McLaughlin and Jewett hip implants superior yield loads were determined for both implant angles. Calculations were made of the improvement of implant strength due to telescoping. Implants with a 135 degree angle are recommended for the fixation of unstable trochanteric fractures, as the hip joint load during normal level walking does not exceed the yield load of these implants.