Biomechanical analysis of the efficacy of locking plates during cyclic loading in metacarpal fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the biomechanical characteristics of locking plates under cyclic loading compared to a nonlocking plate in a diaphyseal metacarpal fracture.


METHODS
Oblique diaphyseal shaft fractures in porcine metacarpal bones were created in a biomechanical fracture model. An anatomical reduction and stabilization with a nonlocking and a comparable locking plate in mono- or bicortical screw fixation followed. Under cyclic loading, the displacement, and in subsequent load-to-failure tests, the maximum load and stiffness were measured.


RESULTS
For the monocortical screw fixation of the locking plate, a similar displacement, maximum load, and stiffness could be demonstrated compared to the bicortical screw fixation of the nonlocking plate.


CONCLUSIONS
Locking plates in monocortical configuration may function as a useful alternative to the currently common treatment with bicortical fixations. Thereby, irritation of the flexor tendons would be avoided without compromising the stability, thus enabling the necessary early functional rehabilitation.
Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinics of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
Stefanie
0000-0001-5946-9522
S
Doht
Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinics of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
Rainer H
RH
Meffert
Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinics of Muenster, Waldeyerstraße 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
Michael J
MJ
Raschke
Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinics of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
Torsten
T
Blunk
Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinics of Muenster, Waldeyerstraße 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
Sabine
S
Ochman
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D013314:Stress, Mechanical