Biomechanics in uniaxial compression of three distal radius volar plates

Purpose: A new fixed-angle volar plate for a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture was designed with the aim of avoiding soft tissue problems due to dorsal plating. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of this new plate with 2 existing volar plates in a cadaver model. Methods: Three different plates were applied on surgically simulated unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures in formalin-fixed cadaver radiuses. Group 1 (volarly placed AO titanium Distal Radius plates [Synthes Ltd, Paoli, PA]; n = 6), group 2 (volarly placed titanium Symmetry plates [DePuy ACE Co, EI Segundo, CA]; n = 6), and group 3 (volarly placed newly designed titanium plates; n = 6) were tested to failure under axial compression with a materials testing machine. Specimens of all 3 groups had similar bone mineral density. Results: Group 3 specimens had significantly greater elastic limit and ultimate strength than the other 2 groups. Specimens of group 3 had the greatest rigidity, although this was statistically insignificant compared with the other 2 groups. All plates (groups 1, 2, 3) failed in apex volar angulation. Conclusions: The newly designed plate fixation system is the strongest of the systems tested and may offer adequate stability for the treatment of a distal radius fracture in which the dorsal and/or volar metaphyseal cortex is comminuted severely. Copyright (C) 2004 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.