Faculty Collaboration Database

Experimental production of extra- and intra-articular fractures of the os calcis. J Biomech 2000 Jun;33(6):745-9

Date

05/16/2000

Pubmed ID

10807996

DOI

10.1016/s0021-9290(00)00017-8

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0034118886 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   19 Citations

Abstract

Although studies have been conducted in the past to duplicate traumatic fractures of the os calcis, biomechanical force data as a function of extra- and intra-articular fractures are not available. Consequently, in this study, a dynamic single impact model was used to provide such information. Using intact human cadaver lower extremities, impact loading was applied to the plantar surface of the foot using a mini-sled pendulum equipment. The proximal tibia was fixed in polymethylmethacrylate. Following impact, pathology to the os calcis was classified into intact (no injury; 14 cases), and extra-articular (6 cases) and intra-articular (6 cases) fractures. Peak dynamic forces were used to conduct statistical analysis. Mean forces for the intact and (both) fracture groups were 4144 N (standard error, SE: 689) and 7802 N (SE: 597). Mean forces for the extra- and intra-articular fracture groups were 7445 N (SE: 711) and 8159 N (SE: 1006). The peak force influenced injury outcome (ANOVA, p<0.005). Differences in the forces were found between intact and injured specimens (p<0.01); intact specimens and specimens with extra-articular pathology (p<0.001); intact specimens and specimens with intra-articular pathology (p<0.005). The present experimental protocol, which successfully reproduced clinically relevant os calcis pathology, can be extended to accommodate other variables such as the simulation of Achilles tendon force, the inclusion of other angles of force application, and the application of the impact force to limited regions of the plantar force of the foot in order to study other injury mechanisms.

Author List

Yoganandan N, Pintar FA, Seipel R

Authors

Frank A. Pintar PhD Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Narayan Yoganandan PhD Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Achilles Tendon
Analysis of Variance
Bone Diseases
Cadaver
Calcaneus
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Joint Diseases
Middle Aged
Stress, Mechanical
Subtalar Joint
Weight-Bearing