Effect of plate working length on plate stiffness and cyclic fatigue life in a cadaveric femoral fracture gap model stabilized with a 12-hole 2.4 mm locking compression plate.

Background: There are several factors that can affect the fatigue life of a bone plate, including the mechanical properties of the plate and the complexity of the fracture. The position of the screws can influence construct stiffness, plate strain and cyclic fatigue of the implants. Studies have not investigated these variables in implants utilized for long bone fracture fixation in dogs and cats.

Mechanical evaluation of adjunctive fixation for prevention of periprosthetic femur fracture with the Zurich cementless total hip prosthesis.

Objective: To evaluate whether cerclage wire or a lateral plate increases the peak-torque load to failure, compared to femora without adjunctive fixation, in femora implanted with Zurich Cementless stems.

Study Design: In vitro biomechanical study.

Sample Population: Paired femora from adult dogs (n = 24) weighing 28-35 kg.

Biomechanical concepts applicable to minimally invasive fracture repair in small animals.

Understanding the basic biomechanical principles of surgical stabilization of fractures is essential for developing an appropriate preoperative plan as well as making prudent intraoperative decisions. This article aims to provide basic biomechanical knowledge essential to the understanding of the complex interaction between the mechanics and biology of fracture healing. The type of healing and the outcome can be influenced by several mechanical factors, which depend on the interaction between bone and implant.