OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical force of three different assemblies of a linear external fixator using 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm Schanz screws with a 3.2 mm-diameter root, and another screw with 5.5 mm diameter with a 4,5mm root. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The linear external fixator was assembled in a 500 mm-long polypropylene tube, with a 45-degree oblique angle cut in the center of the cylinder, with two Schanz screws in each segment. Eighteen assemblies were studied, divided into three groups of six pieces each. In the group 1, 4.5mm-diameter Schanz screws were used, in the group 2, 5.5mm-diameter Schanz screws, both with 3,2mm root were used. In the group 3, 5.5mm-diameter Schanz screws with a diameter root of 4.5mm were used. The mechanical tests were performed in a MT-100 torsion machine, and the resistance measurements were performed at 4.5º, 9.0º, 13.5º, and 18º of torsion. RESULTS: The 4.5mm Schanz screws with 3,2 mm root showed an average torsion resistance at 4.5o, 9.0 o, 13.5 o and 18.0 o, respectively of: 12.0 N/mm, 21.0 N/mm, 33.0 N/mm, and 46.0 N/mm. The 5.5mm Schanz screw with 3.2 mm root, showed as average resistance: 13.2 N/mm, 25.3 N/mm, 40.0 N/mm, and 51.2 N/mm, respectively. The tests with 5.5 mm Schanz screws with 4.5 mm root showed an average resistance of: 15.2 N/mm, 33.5 N/mm, 53.0 N/mm, and 70.0 N/mm. Statistical analysis with the Variance Analysis test and the Bonferroni's test showed the absence of statistically significant differences among groups with root diameter of 3.2mm (4.5 mm and 5.5 mm). There was a statistically significant difference between the group with the 5.5mm Schanz screws with 4.5 mm root and the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: 1- There was no statistically significant difference among assemblies of linear external fixator using 4.5mm and 5.5mm Schanz screws with 3.2mm root. 2- The linear external fixator with 5.5mm Schanz screws with 4.5mm root, showed a stronger mechanical resistance to the torsion, statistically significant, regarding the other two groups.
External fixators; Biomechanics; Bone nails
