Fracture fixation with two locking screws versus three non-locking screws

Article focus

To further elucidate biomechanical standard guidelines for diaphyseal or metaphyseal fracture fixation with non-locking screws and locking screws

To investigate the clinical dilemma faced when difficulties such as limited length for fixation in juxta-articular fractures or fractures with too short a metaphyseal fragment are encountered

To specifically determine whether two locking screws, with minimal spacing, would provide a similar mechanical performance to the more traditional configuration of three non-locking bicortical screws with minimal spacing

Key messages

The biomechanical capabilities of a two-screw locked construct is comparable to those of a three-screw non-locked construct in osteoporotic bone, thus providing adequate fixation of short metaphyseal segments in juxta-articular fractures

Strengths and limitations

The main strength is the biomechanical comparison made between non-locking and locking screws in both normal density bone substrate and osteoporotic bone substrate, mimicking important clinical scenarios

A major limitation of the study included differing plate lengths of the respective constructs and the relatively small sample size

Introduction

Locked plating techniques are increasingly being used for fracture fixation, but there is limited fundamental research in the form of biomechanical comparison studies to guide their usage.^1,2 They may provide improved fixation in osteoporotic bone and superior bridging of severely comminuted fractures.³ Additionally, locking screws may be used as a fixed angle device for short metaphyseal fragments and juxta-articular shaft fractures, in which anatomic constraints limit the uses of compression plating.³ We are aware of no available data regarding the fixation strength of locking screws when used in those clinical scenarios that include limited length for fixation. The biomechanical comparison of plating strategies differing in the numbers of non-locking versus locking screws across a fracture gap has not been investigated. This concept becomes clinically significant in the setting of short metaphyseal fracture fragments, when only a shorter plate segment with two screws will fit based on anatomic or soft-tissue constraints.

The suggested benefits of locking plate technology include the improved biology of fracture healing and improved biomechanics of fracture fixation.⁴ Reduced disruption of the soft-tissue envelope and periosteal vascular supply are achieved by locked plating, via minimally invasive plating techniques, as well as by the ability to achieve stable constructs without relying on friction at the plate bone interface.^3,5-11 From a mechanical standpoint, locking plates behave differently in comparison to conventional constructs. Without the motion at each individual screw-plate junction that occurs in non-locked constructs, locking constructs can be modeled as single beam constructs, which are significantly more stable.^6,11 The type of loading seen by the bone is also significantly different for non-locked compared with locked constructs. Non-locked screws generate shear stress at the bone-screw interface upon axial loading, and the axial force is countered by a frictional force between the plate and bone. The frictional force generated leads to the overall stability of the construct.³ Locking constructs, however, subject the bone-screw interface to compressive forces, by converting shear stress into compression. Since bone is much stronger in compression, this creates another mechanical advantage for locking plates, which may be particularly useful for low-density bone where screw cut out is a problematic failure mode.^4,10,12-14

Currently, there are no accepted biomechanical standard guidelines for diaphyseal or metaphyseal fixation with non-locking screws. The number of screws required for adequate fixation may depend on several factors, including the pattern of fracture, type of stability required and bone quality.^1,15 The working length of a plate and screw construct is paramount to stability. This length can accurately be defined as the distance between the fracture side and the innermost screw.² Previous studies have demonstrated that reduction of this distance will decrease strain at the fracture and thereby improve stability of the fixation construct.¹⁵ Furthermore, Törnkvist et al¹ were able to demonstrate that wider spacing of screws, with maintenance of the working length, was able to procure more stability in terms of bending strength for plate and screw constructs. Likewise, there is limited data guiding the use of locking screws in terms of number and spacing.^7,16,17 Theoretically, superior fixation will achieve adequate fixation strength with fewer screws. Clinically, surgeons are often faced with limited length for fixation in juxta-articular fractures or fractures with short a metaphyseal fragment. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether two locking screws, with minimal spacing, would provide a similar mechanical performance to the more traditional configuration of three non-locking bicortical screws with minimal spacing. Furthermore, testing of this objective was carried out in bone substrates of differing porosities (mimicking normal and osteoporotic bone). The null hypothesis was that no significant differences would be observed in axial bending and torsional loading properties between the locked and non-locked constructs.

Materials and Methods

Synthetic foam bone cylinders (Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, Washington) were used to simulate normal and osteoporotic bone. The synthetic models were 20 mm in diameter, and consisted of a polyurethane foam-filled cylinder with a 2 mm thick epoxy shell. Standard models of two densities were used: an approximate density of 1.64 g/cm³ to simulate normal bone, and an approximate density of 0.5 g/cm³ to simulate osteoporotic bone. Density was the only difference between the two bone substituting materials. A cylinder length of 10 cm was used on both sides of the simulated fracture gap of 1 cm. Polyurethane foam was chosen to minimise the overall variability of bone substrate, as the purpose of this experiment was to compare the stability of different fixation methods.¹⁸ Previous studies have used foam models in order to eliminate the structural variability in human bone.^19-21 Two constructs were used, a locking screw construct with two locking screws on either side of the fracture (5-hole LCP Combi plate; Synthes, Paoli, Pennsylvania) and a non-locking screw construct with three screws on each side (7-hole LCP Combi plate; Synthes). Both implants were manufactured from steel. In order to replicate intra-operative procedures and achieve reproducibility, locking screws were torqued to 1.5 Nm using a self-limiting torque screwdriver. Non-locking screws were hand-tightened by a single surgeon (TL), and purchase was judged according to the surgeon to gain as much friction as possible between the plate and bone. This protocol was consistent with previously published data comparing locking and non-locking fixation constructs in a sawbones model.^15,22-24 The aim was to investigate a relatively shorter plate with fewer screws compared with a more traditional plate fixation with maximum screw purchase, while still maintaining a uniform working length between constructs.^2,25

Two tests were undertaken to assess fatigue characteristics: torsional load and eccentric axial moment (axial + bending) load. These tests were undertaken using an MTS Bionix 858 load frame (MTS Systems, Eden Prairie, Minnesota). In order to test five samples for each individual model configuration of density (1.64 g/cm³versus 0.5 g/cm³), construct (locking versus non-locking) and specific test (torsional versus eccentric bending), a total of 40 samples were used (Fig. 1). This sample size was chosen to reflect previously reported data regarding ex vivo biomechanical comparisons of different fixation constructs.^15,22-24 Photographs were taken of each sample showing the plate and the end of the screws, in order to document plate alignment and the initial 1 cm gap. Pilot destructive tests for each group were performed to determine the initial cyclical load to failure within a feasible number of cycles. Using this data, a pre-load of 100 N was selected; this load was within the elastic portion of the stress curve generated by pilot testing. A major objective of the study was to investigate the biomechanical properties of two separate constructs, in both eccentric axial bending and torsion, and the two different test formats were designed to test two different modes of failure.^26,27

Fig. 1

Schematic illustration of the distribution of specimens for testing.

Eccentric axial loading

Eccentric test specimens were loaded in bending fixtures under load control and pre-loaded to 100 N. Progressive cyclic load testing was performed in 10 cycle blocks, at a rate of 0.1 Hz, in load-control starting at 150 N with a 10 second rest period after each 10 cycle block. The upper load was increased by 50 N after each 10 cycle block until failure, while the lower load remained 100 N throughout the test (Fig. 2). Thus, allowing appropriate qualification of which construct would display superior biomechanical properties during fatigue model testing. The tests were run until failure (failure of bone at the plate/screw interface, screw pull-out, or failure of bone outside of the plate) or until the plate bent enough for the synthetic bone cylinders to touch. Load (N), displacement (mm), number of cycles and time (s) were assessed using MTS software. The mode of failure, maximum displacement, number of cycles to failure, load at failure, and maximum load were recorded. Load versus time and displacement versus time graphs were created from the data.

Fig. 2

Photograph showing eccentric bending of the five-hole plate fixed with locking screws. Constructs were tested cyclically until failure with the MTS Bionix frame.

Torsional testing

Torsional test samples were loaded into an alignment fixture and lowered into a testing pot, in load control, and cemented using Whip-mix Snap-Stone (Whip-mix Corporation, Louisville, Kentucky). A 3/8 inch hole was drilled through the end of each normal bone cylinder perpendicular to the plate to allow the stone to enter into the cavity and prevent slipping during testing. After curing, the bottom pot was attached to the upper fixture and lowered with load control into the other testing pot (Fig. 3). The sample was pre-loaded to 100 N and cemented. Torsional testing was performed in rotation control at 10°/min under a constant axial load of 100 N until failure or a machine limit of 100°, and tested in a static cyclic fashion. Failure was determined to be either breaking of the synthetic bone cylinders or pulling out of the screws. Torque (Nmm), rotation (°), time (s), and load (N) was collected using MTS software. Failure mode, maximum torque, maximum rotation, 2°-offset torque, 2°-offset rotation and modulus were calculated and reported. In this way, the calculated modulus is an accurate measure of the construct’s stiffness as a result of the torsional load being a uniaxial stress. Torsion versus rotation graphs were created for each sample.

Fig. 3

Photograph showing the pre-test setup of the torsion testing model. The construct was secured with an alignment fixture and cemented into a potting apparatus.

Statistical analysis

The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare results between the non-locking and locking constructs. A two-sided p-value of 0.05 was used to determine if any significant difference was present between the two groups for any of the measured variables.

Results

Discussion

The data presented in this study indicates that the initial null hypothesis may be rejected, as there were definable and significant biomechanical differences between the locking and non-locking constructs. More specifically, the biomechanical performance of two locking screws across each side of a fracture gap in the normal bone model is not comparable to the performance of three non-locking screws. Key differences in performance were noted between constructs in both cyclic eccentric axial bending and torsional testing. In the normal density bone model, the non-locking construct displayed biomechanically superior results when compared with the locking construct, surviving more cycles until failure (eccentric loading), displaying a stiffer modulus and demonstrating a superior ability to withstand torque. However, in the osteoporotic bone model, the locking construct displayed superior biomechanical results. In this model, after eccentric axial bending, the locking construct exhibited less displacement of the fracture gap and demonstrated a superior ability to endure torque during torsional testing.

However, the respective constructs did not reveal completely disparate properties. In fact, in the normal bone model the differing constructs displayed similar endurance of maximal loads and displacement of the fracture gap during eccentric axial bending. Similarly, in the osteoporotic bone model there were no significant differences between the constructs regarding cycles to failure, maximal load or overall stiffness. Therefore, the two constructs were relatively comparable in the osteoporotic bone model. Moreover, the constructs demonstrated very similar modes of failure throughout the testing process.

Previously reported data, directly comparing non-locking constructs with locking constructs, has shown mixed results. Less invasive stabilisation system (LISS) plate constructs were among the first to be tested for biomechanical properties. Gösling et al²⁴ compared proximal tibial LISS plates with conventional double plating using cadaveric tibiae axially loaded to 400 N, 800 N, 1200 N, and 1600 N for five cycles at each load. Plastic vertical subsidence demonstrated no significant difference between the two constructs.²⁴ In a similar manner, Peindl et al²² axially loaded synthetic tibiae and found that conventional double plating constructs were much stiffer than a lateral proximal tibial locking plate, a peri-articular plate or an external fixator construct, but there was no significant difference between the latter three.

Other studies have focused on the biomechanical properties of locked plating constructs with regard to screw configuration. These studies have also investigated biomechanical differences between locking plate constructs and non-locking plate constructs, but have mainly centered on fixation of diaphyseal fractures. Ehmke²⁸ used foam models with a 1 cm fracture gap fixed with a 10-hole LCP using three non-locked, three locked unicortical, or three locked bicortical screws tested in torsion, axial compression, and four-point bending under progressive dynamic loading. Failure was primarily due to fracture through the foam. However, the clinical importance of this study may be limited by the loading design, which did not replicate the observed clinical failure mode of pullout due to fatigue.²⁸ A cadaver radius model was used by Gardner et al²⁹ to study locking versus non-locking behavior in AP bending, mediolateral bending and torsion. Their results showed significantly more torsion cycles to failure in the locking group and less energy absorbed in the AP bending, but all of the other tested outcomes showed no difference.²⁹ Fulkerson et al¹⁸ reported results of testing foam models in cyclic axial loading followed by cyclic cantilever loading, and showed significantly more cycles to failure in bicortical locked constructs compared with unicortical locked or bicortical unlocked constructs.

Still, biomechanical studies investigating the basic properties of locking plates are very limited in number. Stoffel et al¹⁷ tested locking plate constructs using foam cylinders and large fragment locking plates. The effect of bridging length and number of screws placed in the construct were tested by measuring axial stiffness and torsional rigidity, as well as by testing to fatigue failure. Since axial stiffness was mainly influenced by plate length and torsional rigidity was mainly influenced by number of screws, the authors recommend that fractures of the lower extremity, where axial forces predominate, can be treated with two or three screws on each side of the fracture.¹⁷ Upper extremity fractures, where rotational forces predominate, should be treated with three to four screws on each side of the fracture.¹⁷

There are several limitations of the current study. One limitation common to all biomechanical studies is the inability to incorporate the effect of fracture biology in vivo. The effects of fatigue are likely to be dampened by the ongoing healing process. However, a synthetic model was chosen to limit the variability encountered within human cadaver models. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to directly investigate the mechanical stability of differing constructs, and differences in bone quality would have raised a substantial confounding variable.^18,30,31 Secondly, this study is also limited by a small sample size. Study design and sample size allocation was modelled after previously published biomechanical data comparing locking and non-locking constructs. These studies had used samples of a similar size.^{13,15,22,24,29} In addition, a post-hoc statistical analysis of our data was performed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test. We were able then to assess for significance by using a cut-off p-value of less than 0.05 to determine if our measured variables differed in a statistically significant fashion. Final limitations of the study are design of the constructs and construct testing. Non-locking screws were tightened by hand at the discretion of the surgeon without the aid of a torque screwdriver; uniformity was maintained through a single surgeon.^15,22,23 Plate lengths of the two constructs also differed. The lengths were chosen to mimic clinical scenarios in which the respective number of minimally spaced screws would be used in conjunction with either a 7- or 5-hole plate. Although the lengths of the plates were not uniform, a uniform working length was maintained, and an appropriate comparison between constructs can still be made.²⁵ Biomechanical properties were tested in a somewhat dissimilar fashion, progressive axial bending and static torsion. However, two different testing format designs were required to separately investigate the two different modes of failure in the respective constructs. Future studies are needed to control for these limitations, and should include the testing of hybrid plate designs and newer plate designs intended to accommodate for short metaphyseal fracture fragments.

In summary, this study may suggest that the biomechanical capabilities of a two-screw locked construct is comparable to a three-screw non-locked construct in osteoporotic bone, thus providing adequate fixation of short metaphyseal segments in juxta-articular fractures. These results may suggest that when surgeons are faced with the clinical dilemma of anatomic restriction preventing standard fixation, the biomechanical properties of two locking screws alone are equivalent to the performance of three non-locking screws in osteoporotic bone. Normal bone loaded in both torsion and axial bending, however, showed slightly better performance with the non-locking construct. These results are not intended to be used in isolation but rather as part of the growing body of research into locking plate constructs. Accepted indications for the use of locking plate fixation include: 1) fractures of osteoporotic bone; 2) highly comminuted fractures, especially those involving diaphyseal and metaphyseal bone; and 3) metaphyseal and intra-articular fractures such as proximal humerus and distal radius fractures.^10,32

Based on this study, osteoporotic fractures that are restrained by limited space available for fixation can be adequately fixated with two locking screws opposite each side of the fracture gap. However, in bone of normal physiologic density, three non-locked bicortical screws, on either side of the fracture gap, should remain the standard of care.