Biomechanical Analysis of Orthogonal Plating and Plate-Rod Combination in a Canine Tibial Fracture Gap Model.

Orthogonal 3.5/2.7 mm plate fixation provides superior biomechanical strength for canine tibial fractures.

This biomechanical study compared four different orthopedic fixation constructs for canine tibial fractures using paired tibiae from large-breed dogs. The fixation methods evaluated included: single 3.5 mm locking plate (LP), 3.5 LP with 2.8 mm intramedullary pin, and two orthogonal LP combinations (3.5/2.0 LP and 3.5/2.7 LP). Specimens underwent non-destructive testing in four-point bending and torsion, followed by destructive testing to failure in craniocaudal and lateromedial bending. Results demonstrated that the 3.5/2.7 LP orthogonal construct exhibited superior biomechanical properties, including significantly higher torsional stiffness and yield stiffness in craniocaudal bending compared to all other constructs. The plate-pin combination (3.5 LP/2.8 IM pin) provided the greatest flexibility in lateromedial bending. These findings suggest orthogonal plating with appropriately sized secondary plates provides enhanced mechanical stability for managing tibial fractures in dogs, potentially improving clinical outcomes in complex fracture cases requiring secondary fixation.

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