Objective:

To compare the biomechanical performance of dynamic hip screws (DHS) and proximal femoral locking plates (PF-LCP) in the fixation of pediatric intertrochanteric fractures using a synthetic bone model.

Approach:

• Experimental Setup: Sixteen synthetic composite femurs were used, sectioned into proximal segments and assigned to DHS or PF-LCP groups. Intertrochanteric fractures were simulated and stabilized using either fixation method.
• Biomechanical Testing: Mechanical testing was performed using a universal material testing machine, applying vertical loads to assess axial stiffness and displacement under cyclic loading, followed by a load-to-failure test.

Key Findings:

• Biomechanical testing included axial stiffness measurement and cyclic loading to assess stability.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The study used synthetic bones rather than cadaveric specimens, which may not fully replicate biological responses.
• The sample size was limited to sixteen specimens, which may affect the generalizability of the results.

Conclusion:

The study provides a comparative analysis of two fixation methods for pediatric intertrochanteric fractures, contributing to the understanding of their biomechanical performance.