title: Comparative biomechanical analysis of three implants used in bicondylar tibial fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Currently, the most difficult-to-treat tibial plateau fractures are complex, comminuted fractures, which result from high-energy trauma. The anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface and the preservation of the soft tissue envelope are required for a good functional result. The aim of this study is to perform a biomechanical evaluation of three constructs used in the treatment of bicondylar fractures: the L‑shaped plate, the LCP locking plate, and the hybrid external fixator.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used 30 experimental models divided into three study groups. There were ten models for each type of implant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The best biomechanical behavior was found with the LCP locking plate, which showed minimal deformation upon cyclic loading, followed by the hybrid external fixator.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LCP plate is the optimal implant for the stabilization of Schatzker type V tibial plateau fractures, with low rates of degradation for the implant and the bone-implant assembly.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Timisoara, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Bd. Bulbuca Iosif, No. 10, 300736, Timișoara, Romania. faur17@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Cosmin Ioan
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Faur
authors.affiliation: Targu Jiu County Hospital, Progresului Street, No. 18, Targu Jiu, Gorj, Romania.
authors.forename: Bogdan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Niculescu
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Bicondylar fractures; Hybrid external fixator; L-shaped plate; LCP plate