Locking internal fixation through a relatively small surgical dissection presents an innovative technique for managing distal tibial extra-articular fractures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical properties of one locking internal fixation plate used to treat these injuries. An AO/OTA43-A3 fracture was created in synthetic composite tibiae. Locking internal fixation was achieved with an anatomically pre-contoured medial distal tibial locking plate. Comparisons were made between different screw configurations in holes proximal to the fracture and monocortical versus bicortical fixation. Axial stiffness was measured using a universal materials testing machine. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to model the elastic deformation of the constructs. Outcome measures were axial stiffness under physiological loading conditions and compression load to failure.Background
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