A mechanical comparison of the dynamic compression plate, limited contact-dynamic compression plate, and point contact fixator

Cortical bone porosis associated with the dynamic compression plate (DCP) prompted the development of the limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and the point-contact fixator (PC-Fix) to increase bone vascularity. However, the comparative fixation characteristics of the three designs are unknown. Transverse fractures were physiologically created in paired cadaveric sheep tibiae, which were plated before torsion testing and four-point bending to failure. The tibiae were grouped randomly and compared as follows: DCP versus LC-DCP, DCP versus PC-Fix, and LC-DCP versus PC-Fix. Mean torque to failure demonstrated no significant difference between the three plates (p < 0.33). Mean bending stiffness, gap opening, and moment to failure also demonstrated no significant difference between the three designs with p < 0.29, < 0.13, and < 0.16, respectively. The LC-DCP and PC-Fix have torsion and bending properties comparable with the DCP in the fixation of simple transverse diaphyseal fractures.