Stiffness of simulated radial neck fractures fixed with 4 different devices

J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2001 Jan-Feb;10(1):57-61. doi: 10.1067/mse.2001.109558.

Abstract

We performed a structural investigation of several fixation devices for radial head and neck fixation. Fourteen pairs of fresh-frozen human elbows were used to simulate unstable radial neck fractures fixed with each of the following plates: 2.0-mm T-plate, 2.0-mm blade plate, 2.7-mm T-plate, and 2.7-mm T-plate modified with a fixed-angle blade. The plate constructs were axially loaded in compression with a materials testing machine, and stiffness was calculated from a load-deformation curve. Through use of paired comparisons, the average stiffness of the modified 2.7-mm plate was found to be significantly greater than that of either 2.0-mm plate, whereas a trend was observed for increased stiffness of the modified 2.7-mm T-plate in comparison with the standard 2.7-mm T-plate. The results indicate that two important variables affecting construct stiffness are plate thickness and incorporation of a fixed-angle blade. Given these findings, the addition of a fixed blade to the 2.7-mm plate may improve the stability of fixation of comminuted radial neck fractures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Plates*
  • Cadaver
  • Elasticity
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Safety
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Radiography
  • Radius Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Radius Fractures / physiopathology*
  • Radius Fractures / surgery*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity