The dynamic locking blade plate, a new implant for intracapsular hip fractures: Biomechanical comparison with the sliding hip screw and Twin Hook

Internal fixation of intracapsular hip fractures results in a high failure rate with non-union and avascular necrosis being the two most important complications. In order to prevent these possible complications treatment should consist of an anatomical reduction and stable fixation by insertion of a low volume, dynamic implant, providing angular and rotational stability to the femoral head. According to these principles a new implant, the dynamic locking blade plate (DLBP) was designed for the fixation of intracapsular hip fractures. We performed a biomechanical analysis in synthetic bone to compare the rotational stability and cut out resistance of the DLBP with a conventional sliding hip screw(SHS) and the more recently developed Twin Hook. The rotational stability of the DLBP proved to be three times higher than the rotational stability of a SHS and two times higher than the Twin Hook. There was no major difference in cut out resistance between the different implants. The design of the DLBP and possible advantages with regard to the healing of an intracapsular hip fracture are discussed. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.