Summary
A laboratory model was chosen to compare the stiffness of various small bone plates
during the application of a bending force. Forces were applied to and measured from
the plate surface directly. Other compressible materials were not in contact with
the supporting or measuring devices. Although we cannot recommend from this experimental
model that the stiffest plate would be the best treatment option, we can conclude
that: (1) the stiffness of two stacked veterinary cuttable plates was approximately
equal to the sum of the stiffness for each plate, (2) screw size did not have an effect
on the stiffness of the veterinary cuttable plate in three out of four comparisons,
and (3) single and stacked veterinary cuttable plates were stiffer than mini bone
plates accepting 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm cortical screws and less stiff than the 2.7 mm
dynamic compression plate.
Keywords
Cuttable plate - stiffness
