title: Design and biomechanics of a plate for the distal radius.
abstract: A dorsal plate for the distal radius was designed to provide rigid fixation and thus allow early motion. It functions as a blade plate, lessening the role of metaphyseal screws, and providing internal neutralization rather than compression. The rigidity and strength of the plate were compared to the existing T-plate in an unstable, extra-articular fracture model in paired, fresh-cadaver, axially loaded radii. The dorsal plate construct was significantly stronger and more rigid than the T-plate construct. The failure mode was similar for both plate types; 8 of 10 constructs failed with plate bending and screw loosening, while the oldest specimen pair showed primary bone failure. Compared to the T-plate, the dorsal plate transmitted a greater single axial load from the articular surface to the shaft.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gesensway
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Putnam
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Mente
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*