Bone plate fixation: an evaluation of interface contact area and force of the dynamic compression plate (DCP) and the limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) applied to cadaveric bone.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of bone morphology on the interfacial mechanics of bone plate fixation.

DESIGN

A comparison of two bone plate designs using measures of contact area and force in three conditions of bone type.

INTERVENTION

The influence of bone plate design, bone type, and implant location on interfacial characteristics of contact area and average force were evaluated using pressure-sensitive film in cadaveric bone. Data were quantitated using computer-assisted image analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Means of the two dependent variables in each of the three conditions were compared using analysis of variance.

RESULTS

In human femora and equine third metacarpi, there were no apparent differences in interface contact area attributed to bone plate design, although there were significant differences for interface contact force. In humeri, significant differences in both interface contact area and force were found between bone plate designs.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show that bone surface topography and implant location are major determinants of the interfacial elements of contact area and average force between a plate and the bone to which it is applied.