Preclinical Cyclic Testing of Adjunctive Fixation of the Humeral Epicondyle in a Lateral Condylar Fracture Model: Ex Vivo Comparison of a Locking Plate versus a Light-curable Composite.

AdhFix light-curable composite performs mechanically equivalent to locking plates as adjunctive fixation in canine lateral condylar humeral fractures.

This preclinical cadaveric biomechanical study evaluated a novel light-curable biocompatible composite (AdhFix), composed of two triazine-trione resin monomers and hydroxyapatite, as adjunctive epicondylar fixation in a simulated canine lateral condylar humeral fracture model, comparing it against a standard 2.7 mm locking plate. Paired canine cadaver humeri were used in a within-cadaver design, with all specimens receiving a primary 4.5 mm transcondylar cortical screw placed in lag fashion. One humerus per pair received AdhFix incorporating 2.7 mm cortical screws, while the contralateral received a 2.7 mm locking plate. All constructs underwent 95,000 cycles of axial compressive loading between 20 and 130 N, followed by terminal monotonic testing to failure. Neither group experienced mechanical failure during cyclic testing. No statistically significant differences were identified between groups in construct dynamic stiffness, displacement during cyclic loading, or yield point during terminal monotonic testing. These findings suggest that AdhFix performs comparably to a standard locking plate as adjunctive stabilization under simulated physiological cyclic loading conditions. AdhFix may offer a promising alternative fixation option, potentially simplifying surgical technique and reducing implant-related costs. Limitations include the ex vivo nature of the study and the absence of in vivo biological healing data. Further in vivo investigation is warranted before clinical adoption.

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