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Trefny et al: Effect of Plate Length on Construct Stiffness and Strain in a Synthetic Short-Fragment Fracture Gap Model Stabilized with a 3.5-mm Locking Compression Plate
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • 12-hole LCPs (80% plate–bone ratio) showed significantly higher construct stiffness than 6-, 8-, or 10-hole plates in both compression and tension bending.
  • Strain on the plate was significantly lower in 12-hole vs 6-hole plates at all regions of interest (ROIs), especially around the fracture gap.
  • No incremental increases in stiffness or decreases in strain were observed between 6-, 8-, and 10-hole plates—only when comparing to 12-hole plates.
  • Bone model strain adjacent to the plate end was significantly lower for 10- and 12-hole plates vs 6-hole plates under both loading conditions.
  • The threshold effect suggests biomechanical benefits only emerge beyond a plate–bone ratio of ~80%.
  • Working length increased from 9.4 mm (6-hole) to 13 mm (others), potentially influencing strain/stiffness differences.
  • Four-point bending was used, as it replicates the most biomechanically relevant force on plated long bones.
  • Clinical implication: Longer plates may reduce plate strain and peri-implant bone strain, potentially lowering risk of fatigue failure or stress risers.

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Trefny et al: Effect of Plate Length on Construct Stiffness and Strain in a Synthetic Short-Fragment Fracture Gap Model Stabilized with a 3.5-mm Locking Compression Plate
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • 12-hole LCPs (80% plate–bone ratio) showed significantly higher construct stiffness than 6-, 8-, or 10-hole plates in both compression and tension bending.
  • Strain on the plate was significantly lower in 12-hole vs 6-hole plates at all regions of interest (ROIs), especially around the fracture gap.
  • No incremental increases in stiffness or decreases in strain were observed between 6-, 8-, and 10-hole plates—only when comparing to 12-hole plates.
  • Bone model strain adjacent to the plate end was significantly lower for 10- and 12-hole plates vs 6-hole plates under both loading conditions.
  • The threshold effect suggests biomechanical benefits only emerge beyond a plate–bone ratio of ~80%.
  • Working length increased from 9.4 mm (6-hole) to 13 mm (others), potentially influencing strain/stiffness differences.
  • Four-point bending was used, as it replicates the most biomechanically relevant force on plated long bones.
  • Clinical implication: Longer plates may reduce plate strain and peri-implant bone strain, potentially lowering risk of fatigue failure or stress risers.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Trefny 2025 et al., on plate length and stiffness, what was the measured effect of plate length on plate strain?

A. Plate strain was lowest in 6-hole
B. Plate strain was highest in 12-hole
C. Only 10-hole reduced strain significantly
D. 12-hole plates had the lowest strain
E. Strain was not measured

Answer: 12-hole plates had the lowest strain

Explanation: Strain was significantly lower for 12-hole than 6-hole plates at all ROIs.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on plate length and stiffness, strain in the bone model adjacent to the plate end was significantly lower in which configurations?

A. 6-hole and 8-hole
B. 8-hole and 10-hole
C. 10-hole and 12-hole
D. 6-hole only
E. All configurations were equal

Answer: 10-hole and 12-hole

Explanation: ROI7 strain in the bone model was lower in 10- and 12-hole vs 6-hole constructs.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on plate length and stiffness, which plate length significantly increased construct stiffness over all shorter options?

A. 6-hole
B. 8-hole
C. 10-hole
D. 12-hole
E. All were equal

Answer: 12-hole

Explanation: The 12-hole plate (80% plate–bone ratio) had significantly higher stiffness than all other lengths.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on plate length and stiffness, which biomechanical testing method was used to measure stiffness and strain?

A. Axial compression only
B. Rotational fatigue
C. 4-point bending in compression and tension
D. Cyclic torsion
E. Uniaxial shear

Answer: 4-point bending in compression and tension

Explanation: Four-point bending was applied in two planes to mimic relevant long bone loading.
In Trefny 2025 et al., on plate length and stiffness, what plate–bone ratio was required before significant stiffness and strain differences became apparent?

A. 40%
B. 53%
C. 65%
D. 80%
E. No threshold was found

Answer: 80%

Explanation: Biomechanical differences only became significant at the 80% plate–bone ratio (12-hole plate).

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