Distal fibula oblique fracture fixation using one-third tubular plate with and without lag screw – A biomechanical study of stability

Abstract

This laboratory-based study compared distal fibula simple oblique fracture fixation with one-third tubular plate with and without a single lag screw to determine which was mechanically more stable. A control group fixed with a limited contact dynamic compression plate was also tested. Biomechanical testing of 30 osteotomised saw bones under lateral bending and torsional forces was performed. There was no significant difference between the mean lateral bending and mean torsional stiffness between the fixation with tubular plate and lag screw and tubular plate alone. Limited contact dynamic compression plate conferred the best stability in lateral bending and torsion, as expected.