Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
A Minimally Invasive Model to Analyze Endochondral Fracture Healing in Mice Under Standardized Biomechanical Conditions
Published on: March 22, 2018
A triangular support screw improves stability for lateral locking plates in proximal tibial fractures with
Patrick Baumann1, Lukas Ebneter, Karlmeinrad Giesinger
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland. patrick.baumann@kssg.ch
Objective:
This study evaluates a proximally angulated cortical screw forming a triangular construct in lateral locking plates of comminuted intraarticular tibial plateau fractures.
Methods:
Sixteen composite tibiae were used for the fracture model and a complete articular fracture of the proximal tibia (AO 41.C2) was performed. A compression force was applied to the medial tibial plateau with an alternating, stepwise loading: 250 N-10 N-300 N-10 N-350 N-10 N-400 N. The relative motion between the different fragments of each sample was measured using a contactless, 3-dimensional digital image correlation system.
Results:
Between the medial and lateral condyle, elastic as well as plastic shear was significantly lower using the triangular support screw (p < 0.05). In the metaphyseal region, elastic deformation remained identical, independent of the screw positioning. However, plastic deformation (varus collapse) was significantly reduced by 30-40% using a triangular support screw at higher compression forces (>300 N; p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Based on the results of this study, the use of a triangular support screw in metaphyseal comminuted tibial plateau fractures might enhance fracture stability. However, further studies are necessary to prove these biomechanical results in composite bone.
