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Stiffness of a type II external skeletal fixator and locking compression plate in a fracture gap model
Author(s) -
Muro Noelle M.,
Gilley Robert S.,
Kemper Andrew R.,
Benitez Marian E.,
Barry Sabrina L.,
McNally Craig
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/vsu.13563
Subject(s) - bending , compression (physics) , bending stiffness , stiffness , fracture (geology) , composite material , structural engineering , materials science , medicine , orthodontics , engineering
Objective To compare the stiffness of constructs fixed with a type II external skeletal fixator (ESF) or a 3.5‐mm locking compression plate (LCP) in axial compression and bending with a fracture gap model. Study design Quasi‐static four‐point bending and axial compression tests. Sample population Ten LCP and 10 ESF immobilizing epoxy cylinders with a 40‐mm fracture gap. Methods Five constructs of each type were tested in nondestructive mediolateral (ML) four‐point bending and then rotated and tested in nondestructive craniocaudal (CC) four‐point bending. Five additional constructs of each type were tested in nondestructive axial compression. Stiffness was compared between loading modes by construct type and between construct types by loading mode. Results Type II ESF were stiffer than LCP in ML bending (difference, 1474 N/mm, P < .0001) and in axial compression (difference, 458 N/mm, P = .008) but not in CC bending ( P = .1673). Type II ESF were stiffer in ML bending than in CC bending (difference, 999 N/m, P < .0001), while LCP were stiffer in CC bending than in ML bending (difference, 634 N/mm, P < .0001). Conclusion Type II ESF generated stiffer constructs compared with LCP in ML bending and in axial compression without a difference in CC bending. External skeletal fixator and LCP bending stiffness varied by loading direction. Clinical significance A type II ESF should be considered in a comminuted fracture requiring increased stability in ML and axial directions.