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6083535 
Journal Article 
Stability of volar locking plate systems for AO type C3 fractures of the distal radius: biomechanical study in a cadaveric model 
Kamei, S; Osada, D; Tamai, K; Kato, N; Takai, M; Kameda, M; Nohara, Y 
2010 
Yes 
Journal of Orthopaedic Science
ISSN: 0949-2658
EISSN: 1436-2023 
15 
3 
357-364 
English 
20559804 
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to compare the relative stability of five volar locking plates (all of which are available for the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the distal radius) under loading conditions simulating the physiological forces that occur during early active mobilization.

METHODS: Five plating techniques were applied to surgically simulated AO type C3.2 distal radius fractures in formalin-fixed cadavers. The specimens were tested with a servohydraulic materials testing machine with 250 N of axial compression load for 3000 cycles. After cyclic loading, the specimens were loaded until they demonstrated failure in axial compression. The five fixation systems studied included a DRV locking plate (group 1), a Stellar plate (group 2), an Acu-Loc plate (group 3), AO Locking Distal Radius System 2.4 (group 4); and a Matrix SmartLock plate (group 5).

RESULTS: None of the plate fixations tested failed during the cyclic loading. Group 2 had a higher elastic limit than groups 4 and 5. There were no significant differences among the five groups for the failure load. Failure occurred at the distal portion of the fixation system, at the ulnar side locking pin, or the locking screw was bent (groups 1, 2, 3); the ulnar side locking screw was broken (groups 3, 4); the locking screw became loose (group 4); and the ulnar side locking screw was uncoupled from the screw hole (group 5).

CONCLUSIONS: All of the five volar plate fixation systems provided sufficient stability to permit 3000 repeated motions of the digits after surgery for AO type C3 distal radius fractures.