Axial Compression Behaviour of Locking Plate Constructs in Different Fixation Functions in the Canine Femur.

Restoring bone column continuity via compression or neutralization plating significantly improves construct stiffness compared to bridge fixation.

This experimental biomechanical study compared axial compression behavior of locking plate constructs applied in three different fixation functions—compression, neutralization, and bridge fixation—in canine femora, with intact femora serving as controls. Four groups were evaluated for construct stiffness, apparent elastic limit, maximum load to failure, and failure modes under axial compression testing until failure. Results demonstrated that fixation function significantly influenced mechanical performance. Intact femora and compression plate constructs achieved the highest stiffness values, with no statistically significant difference between these two groups, indicating that anatomical bone column restoration with compression plating effectively replicates native femoral mechanics. Neutralization constructs showed intermediate stiffness, statistically lower than intact femora. Bridge fixation constructs exhibited significantly lower stiffness than all other groups, as spanning a diaphyseal defect eliminates bone-implant load sharing, placing the implant as the sole load-bearing structure. Intact femora also demonstrated superior apparent elastic limit and maximum load compared to neutralization and bridge constructs. Plate bending was the predominant failure mode, particularly in bridge fixation, reflecting the increased mechanical demand imposed on the implant when bone continuity is absent. These findings have direct clinical relevance for veterinary orthopedic surgeons, emphasizing that whenever possible, restoring bone column continuity through compression or neutralization plating substantially improves construct biomechanics. When bridge fixation is necessary—such as in comminuted fractures—surgeons should anticipate greater implant stress and select appropriately robust implant configurations to mitigate risks of mechanical failure.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.