Abstract:
Purpose: To see if locking compression T-plates applied dorsally are stiffer and/or stronger than dorsal non-locking T-plates
on a dorsally comminuted distal radius fracture model. Locking plates are thought to have mechanical advantages such as
decreased incidence in loss of reduction and improved bone healing. Due to these theoretical advantages, this study seeks
to determine any difference in the strength or stiffness of the two plates. Methods: 16 pairs of embalmed cadaveric human radii were potted, and a standard wedge osteotomy was performed simulating a dorsal comminuted fracture. They were randomized into 2 groups, so that 8 pair received a 3.5mm dorsal locking T-plate over the osteotomy on the right radius, and 8 pair received the same on the left radius. A dorsal 3.5mm non-locking compression plate was placed over the osteotomy on the contralateral radius in each group. An axial load was used to test the strength and stiffness of each plate. Results: A significant difference was found in both the stiffness (p=.007) and the strength (p=.001) between the locking and non-locking plates. The locking plate was found to be 33% stiffer than the non-locking plate. The locking plate was found to have an 89% increase in the Load to Failure. Failure for both locked and non-locked plates occurred via volar cortex bone fracture. Conclusion: Locking plates increased both the stiffness and the strength of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures compared with non-locking plates by a statistically significant margin (p<.05).
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