Abstract
Compression staples are a popular form of fixation for osteotomy and arthrodesis. “Mechanical compression” or “shape memory” designs are commercially available. We performed a biomechanical study comparing these designs. A load cell measured compression across a simulated fusion site. The two designs available were tested and compared. The effect of altering staple limb length was also assessed. The limbs of all mechanical compression staples diverged causing inconsistent compression and distraction. Shape memory staples all achieved consistent compression across the fusion site with significantly greater maximum force when compared to mechanical compression staples (P < 0.001). Staple limb length did not appear to alter compression force generated. Mechanical compression staples cause a distractive force, and we therefore suggest alternate forms of fixation for arthrodesis. Shape memory staples do provide compression and may be suitable for arthrodesis and osteotomy.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Austin RT (1973) Compression staples in high tibial osteotomy. J R Coll Surg Edinb 18:177–179
Chang HC, Nyland J, Nawab A, Burden R, Caborn DN (2005) Biomechanical comparison of the bioabsorbable RetroScrew system, BioScrew XtraLok with stress equalization tensioner, and 35 mm delta screws for tibialis anterior graft-tibial tunnel fixation in porcine tibiae. Am J Sports Med 33:1057–1064
Choudhary RK, Theruvil B, Taylor GR (2004) First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: a new technique of internal fixation by using memory compression staples. J Foot and Ankle Surg 43:312–317
Dai KR (1983) Orthopaedic application of a Ni–Ti shape-memory staple alloy compression staple. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi 21:343–345
Dai KR, Hou XK, Sun YT, Tang RG, Qui SJ, Ni C (1993) Treatment of intra-articular fractures with shape memory compression staples. Injury 24:651–655
Malal JJG, Hedge G, Ferdinand RD (2006) Tarsal joint fusion using memory compression staples. J Foot Ankle Surg 45:113–117
Mereau TM, Ford TC (2006) Nitinol compression staples for bone fixation in foot surgery. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 96:102–106
Neufeld SK, Parks BG, Naseef GS, Melamed EA, Schon LC (2002) Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a biomechanical study comparing memory compression staples, cannulated screws and a dorsal plate. Foot Ankle Int 23:97–101
Ronchetti PJ, Topper SM (2006) Lunocapitate fusion the OSStaple compression staple. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg 10:231–234
Shibuya N, Manning SN, Meszaros A, Budny AM, Malay DS, Yu GV (2007) A compression force comparison study among three staple fixation systems. J Foot and Ankle Surg 46:7–15
Sizensky JA (2004) Forefoot and midfoot arthritis: what’s new in surgical management? Curr Opin Orthop 15:55–61
Strakee SD, Kroon FHM, Bos KE (2001) Fixation methods in mandibular reconstruction using fibula grafts: a comparative study into the relative strength of three different types of osteosynthesis. Head and Neck 23:1–7
Tang RG, Dai KR, Chen YQ (1996) Application of NiTi staple in metatarsal osteotomy. Biomed Mater Eng 6:307–312
Trieb K (2005) Management of the foot in rheumatoid arthritis. J Bone Joint Surg 87-B:1171–1177
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Farr, D., Karim, A., Lutz, M. et al. A biomechanical comparison of shape memory compression staples and mechanical compression staples: compression or distraction?. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18, 212–217 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0887-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0887-9