🔍 Key Findings
- Adding Locking Head Inserts (LHI) to a 3.5-mm LCP had no effect on plate strain, stiffness, or deformation in an open fracture gap model.
- Peak strain consistently occurred at the Combi-hole over the fracture gap, with values up to ~1837 µε.
- No significant difference in strain was found across configurations with 0, 3, or 9 LHI (p = 0.847).
- Construct stiffness and compressive displacement also remained unchanged regardless of LHI count (p = 0.311 and 0.069 respectively).
- Study contradicted the hypothesis that LHI would reduce strain and increase stiffness under biologic loading.
- Combi-hole design may limit the efficacy of LHI, as LHI only fill the locking portion, not the compression side where strain peaks.
- Implant fatigue risk remains highest over unfilled screw holes, especially over fracture sites—confirming previous failure patterns.
- Surgeons should consider alternative methods to reduce strain when facing high implant load scenarios.
