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Trefny et al: Effect of Plate Screw Configuration on Construct Stiffness and Plate Strain in a Synthetic Short Fragment Small Gap Fracture Model Stabilized with a 12-Hole 3.5-mm Locking Compression Plate
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 3, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Short working length constructs had significantly higher stiffness and lower strain than long constructs in compression bending (p = 0.0172).
  • In tension bending, short constructs also had higher precontact stiffness and lower strain, but this reversed after transcortical contact (~150 N).
  • Transcortical contact increased stiffness only in long constructs, producing a bilinear load-displacement curve.
  • Postcontact stiffness was higher in long constructs, but this may not reflect clinical benefit due to risks of high interfragmentary strain.
  • Short working length reduced strain at multiple ROIs under both loading conditions, including over fracture gap (Tables 1–3).
  • Increased working length promoted stress concentration and deformation, especially in compression bending.
  • In vitro benefits of long constructs (via contact stability) may not translate to healing, as repetitive loading could increase plate strain and bone resorption.
  • Plate strain was effectively mapped using 3D digital image correlation, confirming regional strain differences between configurations.

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Trefny et al: Effect of Plate Screw Configuration on Construct Stiffness and Plate Strain in a Synthetic Short Fragment Small Gap Fracture Model Stabilized with a 12-Hole 3.5-mm Locking Compression Plate
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 3, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Short working length constructs had significantly higher stiffness and lower strain than long constructs in compression bending (p = 0.0172).
  • In tension bending, short constructs also had higher precontact stiffness and lower strain, but this reversed after transcortical contact (~150 N).
  • Transcortical contact increased stiffness only in long constructs, producing a bilinear load-displacement curve.
  • Postcontact stiffness was higher in long constructs, but this may not reflect clinical benefit due to risks of high interfragmentary strain.
  • Short working length reduced strain at multiple ROIs under both loading conditions, including over fracture gap (Tables 1–3).
  • Increased working length promoted stress concentration and deformation, especially in compression bending.
  • In vitro benefits of long constructs (via contact stability) may not translate to healing, as repetitive loading could increase plate strain and bone resorption.
  • Plate strain was effectively mapped using 3D digital image correlation, confirming regional strain differences between configurations.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Trefny 2025 et al., on locking plate biomechanics, what effect did transcortical contact have on long working length constructs?

A. Reduced stiffness
B. Decreased strain and increased stiffness
C. Caused implant failure
D. Equalized strain in both groups
E. Increased strain and displacement

Answer: Decreased strain and increased stiffness

Explanation: Long working length constructs became stiffer and less strained after transcortical contact.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on locking plate biomechanics, which configuration showed higher construct stiffness in compression bending?

A. Long working length
B. Short working length
C. Both were equal
D. Neither showed measurable difference
E. Long working length with standoff

Answer: Short working length

Explanation: Short working length had significantly higher stiffness than long in compression bending.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on locking plate biomechanics, how was strain distribution measured in the plates?

A. Thermographic mapping
B. CT image subtraction
C. 3D digital image correlation
D. Digital caliper gauge
E. Fluoroscopy overlay

Answer: 3D digital image correlation

Explanation: Strain was measured via 3D digital image correlation at predefined ROIs.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on locking plate biomechanics, when did transcortical contact occur in long working length constructs?

A. After 240 N
B. Not observed in this study
C. Between 150–155 N
D. At 100 N preload
E. Only under torsion

Answer: Between 150–155 N

Explanation: Transcortical contact occurred in long constructs around 150–155 N in tension bending.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on locking plate biomechanics, why may in vitro stiffness benefits of transcortical contact not translate in vivo?

A. Causes implant corrosion
B. Too stiff for any bone healing
C. Promotes excessive callus formation
D. Causes high interfragmentary strain
E. Negatively affects blood supply

Answer: Causes high interfragmentary strain

Explanation: Transcortical contact in vivo may cause unsustainable strain and bone resorption.

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