Comparative biomechanical analysis of three implants used in bicondylar tibial fractures

Currently, the most difficult-to-treat tibial plateau fractures are complex, comminuted fractures, which result from high-energy trauma. The anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface and the preservation of the soft tissue envelope are required for a good functional result. The aim of this study is to perform a biomechanical evaluation of three constructs used in the treatment of bicondylar fractures: the L‑shaped plate, the LCP locking plate, and the hybrid external fixator.

We used 30 experimental models divided into three study groups. There were ten models for each type of implant.

The best biomechanical behavior was found with the LCP locking plate, which showed minimal deformation upon cyclic loading, followed by the hybrid external fixator.

The LCP plate is the optimal implant for the stabilization of Schatzker type V tibial plateau fractures, with low rates of degradation for the implant and the bone–implant assembly.