title: Locking plates have increased torsional stiffness compared to standard plates in a segmental defect model of clavicle fracture.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of locked plate technology to resist torsion in a clavicle fracture model of segmental bone loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four synthetic clavicles were repaired with either 3.5 mm locked compression plate (LCP) or 3.5 mm low-contact dynamic compression plate (LCDCP). They were divided into two groups of 22 specimens. Each group was tested to evaluate torsional stiffness, load at failure, deflection at failure, and unconstrained plate motion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  LCP group showed significantly greater stiffness in torsion compared to the LCDCP group (p < 0.001). Average difference was 20.9%. Load at failure was not significantly different (p < 0.07). Deflection at failure was significantly less for the LCP group (p < 0.03). Unconstrained motion or plate 'looseness' was significantly less for the LCP group (p < 0.017).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a simulated model of segmental clavicle fracture, a LCP provided more stiffness and less deflection than a low-contact dynamic compression plate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Multicare Health System, Tacoma, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Will
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Englund
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lubahn
authors.forename: Timothy E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cooney
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011474:Prosthesis Design