title: Biomechanical Study of the Fixation Plates For Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical stability of three types of plate systems for opening wedge high tibial osteotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-eight fresh frozen porcine tibia specimens were assigned to three different fixation device groups: Aescular group (16 specimens) was fixed with Aescular plates; Puddu group (16 specimens) with a Puddu plate, and TomoFix group (16 specimens) with a TomoFix plate. We compared axial displacements under compression loads from 200 to 2,000 N and maximal loads at failure among 8 specimens per group. We also compared displacements under cyclic load after 100 cycles at a compressive load of 2,000 N among 8 specimens per group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all three groups, displacement under compression load increased with the increase in the axial compressive load; however, no significant intergroup differences were observed in the mean values under tested loading conditions. The mean maximal loads at failure were not significantly different (6,055, 6,798, and 6,973 N in the Aescular, Puddu, and TomoFix groups, respectively; p=0.41). While the TomoFix group showed less extension and strain during the cyclic load test, the mean values showed no significant differences among groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All three plate systems were found to provide fixation stability suitable for bearing axial compression and cyclic loads while walking.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wolchul Ki-Chan Hospital, Yeongam, Korea.
authors.forename: Kug Jin
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Joint Disease, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Kyoo
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Joint Disease, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Keun
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Seon
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Joint Disease, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Seol
keywords: Biomechanical study; Fixation plate; High tibial osteotomy; Knee; Opening wedge