Locking plates have increased torsional stiffness compared to standard plates in a segmental defect model of clavicle fracture

Abstract

In a simulated model of segmental clavicle fracture, a LCP provided more stiffness and less deflection than a low-contact dynamic compression plate.

Biomechanical Comparison of Locking Compression Plate and Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate Combined with an Intramedullary Rod in a Canine Femoral Fracture‐Gap Model

“…Static loading tests were used. Although this does not fully reflect the physiologic loading of bone in vivo (generally cyclic and combined), it does allow relative comparison of implants . Unidirectional loadings were used but care was taken to position each femur for testing in accordance with physiologic conditions (3‐legged stance phase during a slow walk), allowing a combination of compression, bending, and rotational forces of similar orientation and magnitude to in vivo conditions.…”

“…The offset of the LCP minimizes disruption of periosteum and soft tissues and avoids loss of fragment alignment caused by inexact plate contouring . Many studies have compared the biomechanics of LCP to LC‐DCP, or combined LC‐DCP with an intramedullary rod (LC‐DCP‐R) to other types of internal fixation . A recent communication mentioned a comparison between LC‐DCP‐R and LCP on a tibial fracture‐gap model but only axial and torque stiffness were investigated…”

Unicortical Versus Bicortical Locked Plate Fixation in Midshaft Clavicle Fractures

“…Previous biomechanical studies have examined various methods of clavicle fracture fixation, 19,[21][22][23][31][32][33][34][35][36] which have demonstrated equivalent biomechanical properties between reconstruction plates and Herbert cannulated screws (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana), 31 increased strength of fixation with plates placed in an anterosuperior position, and superiority of 3.5mm LC-DCP vs 3.5-mm Reconstruction Plates and 2.7-mm dynamic compression plates in terms of torsional and axial fracture rigidity after fixation. 22 However, until recently, no data were available concerning the biomechanics of locking plate technology as applied to clavicle fractures, with 5 of the 7 available articles examining this issue published within the past 3 years alone.…”

Optimal internal fixation of anatomically shaped synthetic bone grafts for massive segmental defects of long bones

“…Numerous biomechanical studies have demonstrated the mechanical superiority of locking fixation in a fracture model but none have focused on fixation of the bone scaffolds. [18][19][20] We hypothesized that the locking plate fixation provides more stable internal fixation under cyclic axial, bending, and torsional loading. The study is clinically relevant in that it will guide treating surgeons with respect to internal fixation and guide post-operative regimens for the patients with massive intercalary skeletal defects treated with bone scaffolds.…”