A biomechanical comparison between two volar locking plate systems for distal radius fractures.

The biomechanical properties of two distal radius volar locking plate systems were investigated. A cadaveric model simulating distal radius fractures with dorsal comminution was selected. The biomechanical properties of fracture fixation using the Synthes volar locking T-plate and the Hand Innovation DVR plate were characterized. The average stiffness was 137.1 +/- 19.9 N/mm for the DVR group and 119.1 +/- 9.9 N/mm for the Synthes group (P = .49), and the average changes of the opening angle describing plastic deformation were 10.1 degrees +/- 4.0 degrees and 8.6 degrees +/- 13.2 degrees, respectively (P = .23). This study demonstrates that both the Synthes T-plate and Hand Innovations DVR plate fixation systems show comparable biomechanical characteristics.