Biomechanical Analysis of Orthogonal and Unilateral Locking Plate Constructs in a Fracture Gap Model

Key Points

• This research aims to compare the performance of unilaterally plated constructs and orthogonally plated constructs under specific loading conditions.
• Compared three sizes of orthogonally plated constructs against unilaterally plated constructs.
• Conducted cyclic and static axial compression load to failure tests using a fracture gap model.
• Measured load to failure and analyzed the impact of cyclic loading on construct strength and stiffness.
• Orthogonally plated constructs demonstrated improved load to failure compared to unilaterally plated constructs.
• Increased plate size correlated with enhanced cyclic fatigue strength and stiffness.
• Constructs subjected to cyclic loading showed differences in performance compared to static filing conditions.