A presentation on EFECE: A new locking and compressing device with Kirschner-wire and a prelımınary study for bıomechanıcal evaluatıon of thıs system  

Abstract

Background This study aims to refine the biomechanical properties of a new Kirschner wire locking and compressing implant called EFECE.Methods EFECE implants are 5 mm in length, cylinder-shaped wire locking and compressing implants with an 8 mm radius and a hole for insertion of 1.2 mm Kirschner wire. The EFECE implant contains two pieces that are attached to each other with threads. The top piece functions as a cap, while the second piece contains three gloves for the insertion of magnetically active three balls. The locking mechanism is applied with the help of the balls in the cone-shaped gloves. The locking strength of these implants is determined through the following methods: for group 1, distraction force is applied to the devices until failure is reached, and then maximum force and total extension at the time of failure are evaluated; for group 2, cyclic distraction forces are applied to the implants against cyclic loading, and then the presence of failure and the maximum extension in a cycle are evaluated.Results In group 1, the mean pullout strength was 920 Newton, and the mean extension was 5 mm. In group 2 there was no failure, and the mean maximum extension was 1.2 mm.Conclusions EFECE implant holding power is sufficient for fracture stabilization. Our results show that these implants can be used for fracture fixation. The characteristics associated with this procedure (compression along Kirschner wires, freedome from bone quality fixation, percutaneous surgical technique, and the use of magnets for implant removal) may change surgical daily practice in the near future.