Cosmin Ioan Faur1, Bogdan Niculescu2. 1. 2nd Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Timisoara, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Bd. Bulbuca Iosif, No. 10, 300736, Timișoara, Romania. faur17@gmail.com. 2. Targu Jiu County Hospital, Progresului Street, No. 18, Targu Jiu, Gorj, Romania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Currently, the most difficult-to-treat tibial plateau fractures are complex, comminuted fractures, which result from high-energy trauma. The anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface and the preservation of the soft tissue envelope are required for a good functional result. The aim of this study is to perform a biomechanical evaluation of three constructs used in the treatment of bicondylar fractures: the L‑shaped plate, the LCP locking plate, and the hybrid external fixator. METHODS: We used 30 experimental models divided into three study groups. There were ten models for each type of implant. RESULTS: The best biomechanical behavior was found with the LCP locking plate, which showed minimal deformation upon cyclic loading, followed by the hybrid external fixator. CONCLUSIONS: The LCP plate is the optimal implant for the stabilization of Schatzker type V tibial plateau fractures, with low rates of degradation for the implant and the bone-implant assembly.
BACKGROUND: Currently, the most difficult-to-treat tibial plateau fractures are complex, comminuted fractures, which result from high-energy trauma. The anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface and the preservation of the soft tissue envelope are required for a good functional result. The aim of this study is to perform a biomechanical evaluation of three constructs used in the treatment of bicondylar fractures: the L‑shaped plate, the LCP locking plate, and the hybrid external fixator. METHODS: We used 30 experimental models divided into three study groups. There were ten models for each type of implant. RESULTS: The best biomechanical behavior was found with the LCP locking plate, which showed minimal deformation upon cyclic loading, followed by the hybrid external fixator. CONCLUSIONS: The LCP plate is the optimal implant for the stabilization of Schatzker type V tibial plateau fractures, with low rates of degradation for the implant and the bone-implant assembly.