[Effectiveness of a support screw in condylar plate osteosynthesis of the proximal femur].

In some theoretical and clinical examinations a supporting screw in condylar and other angular plate osteosyntheses devices is proposed to increase the weight bearing capacity. We examined the weight bearing of a condylar plate with "U" and double "T" blade profile with and without supporting screw. The weight bearing capacity in the condylar plate with "U" profile was 450 +/- 350 N without and 550 +/- 450 N with supporting screw. In the condylar plate groups with "double T" profile the weight bearing capacity was 1350 +/- 1250 N in the group without and 1400 +/- 1300 N in the group with supporting screw. We concluded that the introduction of a supporting screw cannot improve significantly the weight bearing capacity of condylar plate osteosynthesis.