Biomechanical Analysis of Distal Femur Fracture Fixation: Fixed-Angle Screw-Plate Construct Versus Condylar Blade Plate

• DOI: 10.1097/bot.0b013e31802bb372
• Publication Date: 2007-01-05T12:53:17Z
• Authors: Thomas F Higgins; Gavin Pittman; Jerod Hines; Kent N Bachus
• Keywords: Cadaveric spasm; Preload

Objective: The objective of this study is to establish the relative strength fixation a locking distal femoral plate compared with condylar blade plate. Methods: Eight matched pairs fresh-frozen cadaveric femurs were selected and evaluated for bone density. A gap osteotomy model was used simulate an OTA/AO A3 comminuted femur fracture. One each pair fixed plate; other, After 100 N preload 10,000 cycles between 1000 N, total displacement specimen assessed. completion cyclic loading, maximum load failure tested. Results: Significantly greater subsidence (total axial displacement) occurred (1.70 ± 0.45 mm; range, 1.21-2.48 mm) than (1.04 0.33 0.67-1.60 after loading (P = 0.03). In load-to-failure testing, force absorbed by before (9085 1585 N; 7269-11,850 N) significantly tolerated construct (5591 945 3546-6684 P 0.001). Variability in mineral density did not affect findings (fixed angle r2 0.1563; 0.0796). Conclusions: screw-plate proved stronger both ultimate biomechanical testing simulated Although differences small, performance over may lend credence use versus fractures.