Mechanical Comparison of Different Types of Fixation of Ludloff Metatarsal Osteotomies: A Biomechanical Study

Principle Investigator: Steve Neufeld
Co-investigators: Jihui Li
Funded by: Merete Inc. and Synthes Inc.

Hallux Valgus deformities are one of the most common deformities that require surgical correction. Ludloff osteotomy followed with fixation using two screws has been the golden standard of this disease. However, we have experienced cases of failure in non-compliant patients who put early weight on their Ludloff osteotomy, indicating the screws may not provide enough mechanical stability. Recently we developed a locking plate system aimed to improve the mechanical stability of the fixation and realize early weight bearing of the patients taking Ludloof osteotomy. The purpose of this study therefore is to compare the biomechanical properties of Ludloff osteotomies fixed with traditional compression screws and that with a locking plate. The hypothesis is that the locking plate method may provide stronger mechanical stability in a Ludloff osteotomy fixation compared to the compression screws method.