Comparing the In Vitro Stiffness of Straight-DCP, Wave-DCP, and LCP Bone Plates for Femoral Osteosynthesis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the Locking Compression Plate (LCP) with the more cost-effective straight-dynamic compression plate (DCP) and wave-DCPs by testing in vitro the effects of plate stiffness on different types of diaphyseal femur fractures (A, B, and C, according to AO classification). The bending structural stiffness of each plate was obtained from four-point bending tests according to ASTM F382-99(2008). The plate systems were tested by applying compression/bending in different osteosynthesis simulation models using wooden rods to simulate the fractured bone fragments. Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference in the bending structural stiffness between the three plate models. Rank-transformed two-way ANOVA showed significant influence of plate type, fracture type, and interaction plate versus fracture on the stiffness of the montages. The straight-DCP produced the most stable model for types B and C fractures, which makes its use advantageous for complex nonosteoporotic fractures that require minimizing focal mobility, whereas no difference was found for type A fracture. Our results indicated that DCPs, in straight or wave form, can provide adequate biomechanical properties for fixing diaphyseal femoral fractures in cases where more modern osteosynthesis systems are cost restrictive.

Manufacture of bone fracture plates based on glass fiber reinforced polyurethane composite: a gravity casting adapted process

“…Currently, there are few studies comparing different plate systems and materials, most of them analyze the stress on implants fixed on bones. [13,44] In addition, there is not a single standard for the presentation of the results. For instance, regarding stiffness, some authors establish comparisons between force and displacement in the linear region of the material (N/mm) [45] ; others use relations with force and bending angle (N/degree) [33] still, some presents results for bending structural stiffness (Nm 2 ).…”

“…For instance, regarding stiffness, some authors establish comparisons between force and displacement in the linear region of the material (N/mm) [45] ; others use relations with force and bending angle (N/degree) [33] still, some presents results for bending structural stiffness (Nm 2 ). [13] So, a challenge to overtake was to establish comparisons with different authors, because of the complex, diverse, and heterogeneous literature about bone plates. [46] Studies showed satisfactory clinical results when using composite implants with 6 holes for fixation of human tibia fractures, allowing quick bone healing.…”

“…For instance, researches carried out in 2002, from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), showed that reusing single-use devices could lead to cost savings, to the patient, of approximately 30%. [12,13] Thus, alternative materials that present mechanical properties closer to the human bone and are biocompatible have been researched. [14][15][16][17] Composites are a great alternative as they have wide tailored characteristics, obtained from the combination of two or more materials taking advantage of desired features from each one.…”

Biomechanical analysis of combi-hole locking compression plate during fracture healing: A numerical study of screw configuration

“…Although previous biomechanical studies have mainly investigated the effects of screw configurations, none have analysed the use of LCPs with combi-holes. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanical properties of LCPs with combi-holes to determine the most effective screw configurations and optimize their clinical use.…”

Bone Vibration Analysis as a Novel Screening Tool for Long Bone Fractures

“…Owing to health risks associated with animal or human tissues, the preliminary experiments were not carried with raw bones. The wood was chosen because, according to (Mariolani, et. al.…”