title: Dual Bone Fixation: A Biomechanical Comparison of 3 Implant Constructs in a Mid-Diaphyseal Fracture Model of the Feline Radius and Ulna.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the biomechanical properties of dual bone fixation (DBF) constructs to radial locking compression plating (LCP) in an ex vivo feline antebrachial fracture gap model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ex vivo study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cadaveric feline antebrachii (n=12 pairs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Antebrachii were radiographed to confirm normal skeletal appearance and maturity. After creation of a 5 mm radial and ulnar ostectomy, each antebrachium received 1 of 3 constructs using an incomplete randomized block design (n=8 per group). All groups received a 10 hole 2.0 mm radial LCP. DBF groups received either a 1.2 mm ulnar intramedullary pin (LCP with pin) or an 8 hole 2.0 mm ulnar LCP in addition to the radial LCP. Biomechanical testing was performed in axial compression and caudocranial and mediolateral 4-point bending before destruction in axial compression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DBF constructs (LCP with pin and dual LCP) were significantly stiffer than radial LCP alone in axial compression and caudocranial bending. There were no differences between LCP with pin and dual LCP constructs in axial compression and caudocranial bending or between any constructs in mediolateral bending. Failure load was significantly greater for dual LCP than LCP with pin or LCP alone constructs. Failure loads were not different between LCP with pin and LCP alone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DBF significantly increased construct stiffness and strength. Given the high complication rate reported in cat antebrachial fractures when only the radius is stabilized, surgeons should consider DBF.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Preston
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Glyde
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Giselle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hosgood
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Engineering and Physics, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Day
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D002415:Cats / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D018483:Diaphyses / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000662:veterinary*; D011312:Pressure; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*