Summary
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the stiffness, yield load, ultimate load
at failure, displacement at failure, and mode of failure in cantilever bending of
locking compression plates (LCP) and dynamic compression plates (DCP) in an acute
failure ilial fracture model. Our hypothesis was that the LCP would be superior to
the DCP for all of these biomechanical properties.
Methods: Ten pelves were harvested from healthy dogs euthanatized for reasons unrelated to
this study and divided into two groups. A transverse osteotomy was performed and stabilized
with either a 6-hole DCP applied in compression or a 6-hole LCP. Pelves were tested
in cantilever bending at 20 mm/min to failure and construct stiffness, yield load,
ultimate load at failure, displacement at failure, and mode of failure were compared.
Results: The mean stiffness of DCP constructs (193 N/mm [95% CI 121 – 264]) and of LCP constructs
(224 N/mm [95% CI 152 – 295]) was not significantly different. Mean yield load of
DCP constructs (900 N [95% CI 649 –1151]) and of LCP constructs (984 N [95% CI 733
–1235]) was not significantly different. No significant differences were found between
the DCP and LCP constructs with respect to mode of failure, displacement at failure,
or ultimate load at failure.
Clinical significance: Our study did not demonstrate any differences between DCP and LCP construct performance
in acute failure testing in vitro.
Keywords
LCP - DCP - locking compression plate - dynamic compression plate - canine ilium -
cantilever bending - bone quality