Biomechanical analysis of a magnesium plantar plate prototype system for the first tarsometatarsal joint fusion: a cadaveric study

Abstract Background Titanium plantar plates have proven successful in the fixation of the first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis (TMT). However, a second surgery is typically needed for implant removal, and potential adverse effects, carried by the conventional implantations, are not uncommon. The purpos...

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Main Authors: Peng Zhou, Marx Ribeiro, Johannes Greven, Maximilian Praster, Jan-Marten Seitz, Simon Habicht, Frank Hildebrand, Elizabeth R. Balmayor, Philipp Lichte
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-11-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-05208-7
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Summary:Abstract Background Titanium plantar plates have proven successful in the fixation of the first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis (TMT). However, a second surgery is typically needed for implant removal, and potential adverse effects, carried by the conventional implantations, are not uncommon. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a novel magnesium-based plantar plate system provides similar fusion stability to a titanium-based plantar plate system under various loading conditions. Methods Six matched-pair human cadaveric specimens underwent TMT fusions using either a magnesium plantar plate system prototype or a titanium plantar plate system. Specimens were cyclically loaded with a force ranging from 5 N to 50 N for 5,000 cycles, and displacement was recorded. Axial stiffness (N/mm) was calculated from load-displacement curves. Each specimen was loaded to failure at a rate of 5 mm/min, and the ultimate load was recorded. Results No significant difference was found in the vertical displacement between Ti group and Mg group after 100 cycles (2.4 ± 1.0 mm vs. 1.3 ± 1.4 mm, p = 0.196), 500 cycles (3.3 ± 1.3 mm vs. 1.7 ± 1.7 mm, p = 0.142), 1,000 cycles (3.7 ± 1.5 mm vs. 1.9 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.128), 2,500 cycles (4.2 ± 1.7 mm vs. 2.3 ± 2.2 mm, p = 0.172) and 5,000 cycles (4.5 ± 1.8 mm vs. 2.3 ± 3.3 mm, p = 0.125), Additionally, no significant differences were observed in initial stiffness (53.1 ± 19.2 N/mm vs. 82.2 ± 53.9 N/mm, p = 0.257), final stiffness (90.6 ± 48.9 N/mm vs. 120.0 ± 48.3 N/mm, p = 0.319), or maximum load-to-failure (259.8 ± 98.2 N vs. 323.9 ± 134.9 N, p = 0.369). Conclusions Based on the performed biomechanical testing, the magnesium plantar plate system provides mechanical stability equivalent to the titanium plantar plate system in fixation for the first TMT joint fusion.
ISSN:1749-799X