Stress shielding reduced by a silicon plate-bone interface. A canine experiment

Effects of modifying the plate-bone interface with Silastic were tested. The experimental plate, i.e., a conventional plate with a Silastic backing was compared with the standard plate. In vitro four-point bending tests showed similar strain per load behavior in the experimental and standard plate models. In vitro plate-bone contact was greater and interface pressure was lower for the experimental as compared with the standard plate. An in vivo implant study was conducted where the plates were tested on intact canine femurs. At 27 weeks postimplantation, there was less porosity and remodeling in the haversian envelope of bone plated with a Silastic interface.