[Biomechanical study of double-plate fixation for comminuted fractures of the distal femur].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the new treatment approach for comminuted fractures of the distal femur.


METHODS
Supra- and intercondylar comminuted fractures were induced in the femurs of 20 fresh adult cadavers, 10 of which received fixation with lateral steel plates and medial polyethylenes plates while the rest with single plate in the lateral only. Biomechanical tests of bending, torsion and compression were performed.


RESULTS
Biomechanical test demonstrated that double-plate fixation provided better resistance to compression (P<0.05) as well as bending and torsion (P<0.01) than single-plate fixation did.


CONCLUSIONS
Double-plate fixation is effective and may have potential clinical value in treating comminuted fractures of the distal femur.
Lin
Ang-Ru
AR
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Gao
Dao-Hai
DH
Hu
Ba-Sheng
BS
Ren
Gao-Hong
GH
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male