title: Comparison of double locking plate constructs with single non-locking plate constructs in single cycle to failure in bending and torsion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the biomechanical properties of single 3.5 mm broad dynamic compression plate (DCP) and double 3.5 mm String-of-Pearls (SOP) plate constructs in single-cycle bending and torsion. We hypothesized that the double SOP construct would outperform the broad DCP in both bending and torsional testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Broad DCP plates and double 3.5 mm SOP plates were secured to a previously validated bone model in an effort to simulate bridging osteosynthesis. Constructs were tested in both four-point bending and torsional testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The double SOP constructs had significantly greater bending stiffness, bending strength, bending structural stiffness, and torsional stiffness when compared to the broad DCP constructs. The single broad DCP constructs had significantly higher yield torque and yield angles during torsional testing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the in vitro mechanical performance of the double SOP construct was significantly greater than the single broad DCP constructs under bending loads, the actual differences were small. Various patient, fracture, and implant factors must be considered when choosing an appropriate implant for fracture fixation.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Hutcheson
authors.affiliation: Ryan Butler, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, 240 Wise Center Drive, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States, Phone: +1 662 325 1438, E-mail: rbutler@cvm.msstate.edu.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Elder
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000592:standards; D001863:Bone Screws; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018583:Pliability; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D054159:Torsion, Mechanical
keywords: String-of-Pearls; bending; broad dynamic compression plate; implant failure; torsion