Abstract
Purpose: Interest has focused on porous materials that promote bony ingrowth. In this study a porous tantalum implant was used as an adjunct to intercarpal stabilization in a canine model of wrist arthrodesis. Methods: A defect was created at the junction of the radiocarpal, ulnocarpal, and fourth carpal bones, analogous to a four-corner fusion site in humans. A tantalum cylinder was press-fit and stabilized with K-wires. Controls were represented by creating the defect without implant placement. Animals were killed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results: Histology showed bony ingrowth as early as 4 weeks and mechanical testing showed a statistically significant increase in strength of the construct over time. Controls failed to achieve union at any time point. Conclusions: The implant served as an adjunct to stabilization of the carpus in this model of four-corner fusion, suggesting a novel application of this material in conditions in which bone graft has been required previously. This study represents a preliminary investigation of the use of a tantalum device for intercarpal stabilization; it does not compare this technique with conventional methods.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1128-1135 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Hand Surgery |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2005 |
Keywords
- Four-corner fusion
- Limited wrist arthrodesis
- Porous metal
- Tantalum
- Trabecular metal
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine