Biomechanics of Locked Plates and Screws

Abstract

Locked plates and conventional plates rely on completely different mechanical principles to provide fracture fixation and in so doing they provide different biological environments for healing. Locked plates may increasingly be indicated for indirect fracture reduction, diaphyseal/metaphyseal fractures in osteoporotic bone, bridging severely comminuted fractures, and the plating of fractures where anatomical constraints prevent plating on the tension side of the bone. Conventional plates may continue to be the fixation method of choice for periarticular fractures which demand perfect anatomical reduction and to certain types of nonunions which require increased stability for union.

Fractures of the Distal Tibia Treated with Polyaxial Locking Plating

“…Compared with a conventional plate, a locking plate imparts a higher degree of stability and provides better protection against primary and secondary losses of reduction and minimization of bone contact [12,20]. Although a monoaxial locking plate with the screw locked into the threaded hole at a predetermined angle allows multiple points of fixed-angle support, the fixed-trajectory Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.…”

Fixation of Subtrochantric Fractures Using Distal Femoral Locking Compression Plate of Contralateral Side

“…LCP, however, has clear differences. As the screws lock with the plate, the system is just like an external fixator frame, which can hold all the major fragments without lateral stress on the greater trochanter fragment [26] . Dissection of periosteum is not always needed, and some minimally invasive techniques can be used to reduce blood loss.…”

Biomechanical Analysis of Locking Reconstruction Plate Using Mono- or Bicortical Screws

“…Despite the variety of sizes and shapes of bone plates and screws, the choice of implants depends on various factors such as fracture site, fracture type, bone quality, strength and stiffness required, cost and availability [1][2][3] . The traditional reconstruction plates are considered to be less stiff and designed with V-shaped grooves between the screw holes, to allow contour in three directions [3][4][5] .…”