Biomechanical evaluation of the influence of an intramedullary pin on the stability of a feline ilial fracture model stabilized with a bone plate.

OBJECTIVE:
To compare the mechanical properties of feline ilial fractures stabilized with either a plate (P), or a plate and IM pin (P + P).
STUDY DESIGN:
Mechanical study.
SAMPLE POPULATION:
Cadaveric cat pelvii (n = 10).
METHODS:
Feline ilial fractures (n = 20) stabilized with either P or P + P were subjected to 100 nondestructive load cycles, then loaded to failure. Deformation after cycling, yield load and displacement, stiffness and load at 2 mm of displacement were compared between groups.
RESULTS:
There were no significant differences between groups for any of the parameters. Variability of data was much larger for the P + P group.
CONCLUSIONS:
No biomechanical advantage was demonstrated. The P + P constructs were not significantly stronger than plates alone in this acutely loaded cadaveric model.