title: Effect of contouring on bending structural stiffness and bending strength of the 3.5 titanium SOP implant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the bending structural stiffness (BSS) and bending strength (BS) of the 3.5 titanium (Ti) string of pearls (SOP) plate and the 3.5 316LVM stainless steel SOP plate; and the effect of contouring on the BSS and BS of the 3.5 Ti SOP plate.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro experimental static 4-point bending materials testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five 3.5 mm Ti and five 3.5 mm 316LVM stainless steel SOP locking bone plates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Each plate was tested in 4-point bending until 10 mm of displacement was achieved. BSS and BS were then calculated for each plate. A 2-sample t-test was used to compare the mean BSS and BS of the different groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 3.5 Ti SOP plate had lower mean BSS (0.00263 Nm(2) ) but similar mean BS (12.8 Nm) when compared to the 3.5 316LVM SOP (0.00402 Nm(2) , 13.0 Nm). Prebending the 3.5 Ti SOP diminished its mean BSS (0.00224 Nm(2) ) and mean BS (9.4 Nm) when compared to the Ti control. Pretwisting the 3.5 Ti SOP increased its mean BSS (0.00273 Nm(2) ) but decreased its mean BS (12.4 Nm) when compared to the Ti control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3.5 Ti SOP is less stiff but of similar strength to the 3.5 316LVM stainless steel SOP. Prebending the Ti SOP significantly lowers its stiffness and strength. Pretwisting the SOP actually increases its stiffness but slightly lowers its strength.
authors.affiliation: Croft Veterinary Hospital, Cramlington, UK. s.rutherford@croftvets.co.uk
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rutherford
authors.forename: Malcolm G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ness
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008422:Materials Testing; D019563:Mechanics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D013193:Stainless Steel; D014025:Titanium