Effectiveness and Biomechanical Analysis of the Ortho-Bridge System on Femoral Fracture Healing: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND: Among the surgical methods for femoral fractures, the Ortho-Bridge System (OBS) appears to heal fractures via an uncommon process. We compared its effectiveness and biomechanical aspects to those of a locking compression plate (LCP) and explained the healing process demonstrated by the OBS. METHODS: Eleven femoral shaft fracture cases treated with OBS between July 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular postoperative follow-up visits and assessed via the Harris Hip Score and Knee Society Score. We performed biomechanical experiments of OBS. We simulated different fracture conditions and selected appropriate screw holes at the fracture’s far and near segments. The OBS module was placed according to the position of LCP’s locking hole at both ends of the fracture; then, a static three-point bending test was performed. RESULTS: All patients had contralateral callus growth with secondary fracture healing. Healing time was 3–5 months with excellent hip and knee function. When the key screw distance was 22–34 mm, the OBS was significantly less stiff than the LCP (P < 0.05). The stiffness of LCP and OBS decreased significantly when the key screw distance was 49–82 mm, with the LCP being slightly stronger (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral shaft fracture treatment with OBS demonstrated secondary healing. When the distance between the key screws was 20–40 mm, the elasticity was higher in OBS than in LCP, possibly producing axial micro-motion to stimulate callus formation and promote fracture healing, which differ from the plate’s primary healing process.