Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of locking
compression plate (LCP) and conical coupling plate (CCP) constructs for the stabilization
of experimentally induced gap fractures in cat tibiae.
Materials and Methods Pelvic limbs were harvested from eight cat cadavers. Paired tibiae were stripped
of all soft tissues, and randomly assigned to the LCP or CCP stabilization group.
An eight-hole 2.7 mm LCP or a six-hole 2.5 mm CCP was applied to the medial surface
of each tibia. A 1-cm segment of the tibia was excised centrally beneath the plate.
The specimens were potted, then tested in non-destructive four-point craniocaudal
and mediolateral bending, followed by non-destructive axial compression. Each construct
was subsequently loaded to failure in axial compression. Bending and axial stiffness,
yield load and failure load were calculated for each specimen.
Results The LCP constructs were significantly stiffer than the CCP constructs when subjected
to non-destructive bending and axial loading. Craniocaudal bending stiffness was significantly
greater than mediolateral bending stiffness for both constructs. Yield load and failure
load were significantly greater for LCP constructs compared with CCP constructs.
Clinical Significance LCP may be a more suitable implant for stabilizing complex diaphyseal tibial fractures
in cats. Additional supplemental fixation should be considered when using CCP to stabilize
unreconstructed diaphyseal tibial fractures in cats. Further clinical investigation
of both implants is recommended.
Keywords
locking plates - tibial fracture - cats - biomechanical testing - conical coupling
plate
