Table 2 Construct stiffness data in varus and valgus loading directions for different K-wire configurations or external fixator

Varus loading

Magnitudes (Nm/mm)

ANOVA (P)

Mean ± SD^†

(I)

(II)

(III)

(IV)

(V)

Two crossed K-wires (I)

20.4 ± 2.4

0.000

–

0.000

0.000

0.526

0.224

Two lateral K-wires (II)

14.1 ± 2.0

–

–

0.194

0.000

0.000

Three lateral K-wires (III)

15.4 ± 2.3

–

–

–

0.000

0.007

Three crossed K-wires (IV)

21.2 ± 3.1

–

–

–

–

0.104

External fixator (V)

18.9 ± 2.9

–

–

–

–

–

Valgus loading

Magnitudes (Nm/mm)

ANOVA (P)

Mean ± SD^†

(I)

(II)

(III)

(IV)

(V)

Two crossed K-wires (I)

16.7 ± 2.1

0.000

–

0.000

0.339

0.238

0.126

Two lateral K-wires (II)

13.5 ± 1.7

–

–

0.012

0.000

0.033

Three lateral K-wires (III)

15.8 ± 2.0

–

–

–

0.042

0.564

Three crossed K-wires (IV)

17.9 ± 2.3

–

–

–

–

0.001

External fixator (V)

15.3 ± 1.8

–

–

–

–

–