Purpose
To evaluate and compare the biomechanic rigidity and strength of 3 fixed-angle plates
used to treat extra-articular distal radius fractures that are dorsally unstable.
Volar fixed-angle plates were compared with a dorsal fixed-angle nail plate.
Methods
Three plate constructs were tested: the dorsal nail plate (DNP), distal volar radius
(DVR) plate, and locking compression plate (LCP) volar distal radius plate. With anatomic,
third-generation, artificial composite radii, dorsally unstable extra-articular distal
radius fracture models were made by cutting a wedge osteotomy with an 8-mm dorsal
gap 1 cm from the articular surface. These models were then fixed with the 3 implants
by the method recommended by the manufacturer. The proximal radii of each specimen
were attached to the base of a materials testing machine with a probe centered at
the radial side of the lunate fossa. The specimens were loaded at a constant rate
to failure under axial compression. Load and displacement were plotted graphically,
and the resulting rigidities and strengths of each plate were assessed statistically.
Results
The DVR group had significantly greater stiffness than the LCP group. The DVR group
had significantly higher maximum loads than both the DNP and LCP groups. There were
no significant differences in yield loads. Both the DNP and DVR groups had significantly
less displacement at yield than the LCP group.
Conclusions
These 3 groups had similar yield loads. However, the LCP was less stiff than the DVR
and had more displacement at yield than both the DVR and DNP. The yield load of all
3 implants was much higher than previously described loads for active wrist and finger
motion.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 25,
2007
Received:
October 31,
2006
Footnotes
Hand Innovations LLC donated internal fixation devices.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
