Optimal Orientation of Transfixation Screws Across Oblique Fracture Lines

Torisonal, compression, and bending forces were applied to long oblique fractures of rabbit tibiae that were fixed with 2 screws in different positions. Torison, bending and compression tests were applied to the tibiae. Results for torsional load show that screws should be perpendicular to the fracture plane. For compressive load, screws should be fixed perpendicular to the long axis of the bone. When bending moments are applied in the same plane as the plane of the screws, there is no preferred position of the screws across the fracture. When bending moments are applied perpendicular to the plane of the screws, screws should be positioned perpendicular to the fracture plane.