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Objective The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the differences in clinical efficacy and radiographic outcomes of the double-triangle locking compression plate (DT-LCP) and the T-shaped locking compression plate (T-LCP) fixation systems in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 127 patients who underwent OWHTO at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2019 and May 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the different steel plate fixation systems used: the DT-LCP group with 65 patients and the T-LCP group with 62 patients. Both groups underwent clinical and radiographic assessments preoperatively and at 5 years postoperatively. Clinical assessments were performed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Lysholm score, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Radiographic evaluations included measurements of the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and tibial posterior slope (PTS) to assess lower limb alignment correction postoperatively. The compensatory changes in adjacent joints were evaluated by measuring the hip abduction angle (HAA), talar tilt angle (TIA), and Carton-Deschamps index (CDI) in both groups. Complications were also analyzed for both groups. Results At the 5-year follow-up, the complication rate was 20% in the DT-LCP group and 24.19% in the T-LCP group (χ 2 = 0.324, p  = 0.569). All radiographic measures of coronal alignment (HKA, MPTA, WBLR and JLCA) improved significantly from baseline in both groups ( p  < 0.001). After adjustment for pre-operative values, ANCOVA showed no between-group difference in HKA or JLCA ( p  = 0.319 and p  = 0.287, respectively). MPTA and WBLR reached statistical significance, but with small effect sizes (MPTA: 0.89°, 95% CI 0.28–1.51; WBLR: 0.06, 95% CI 0.03–0.08). PTS increased similarly in both groups (effect − 0.80°, 95% CI − 1.95 to 0.34, p  = 0.114). Compensatory changes in adjacent-joint parameters (HAA, TIA and CDI) did not differ between groups: HAA 0.21° (95% CI − 0.13 to 0.55, p  = 0.226), TIA − 0.50° (95% CI − 1.43 to 0.42, p  = 0.151), and CDI 0.08 (95% CI − 0.01 to 0.17, p  = 0.225). Peri-operatively, the DT-LCP group outperformed the T-LCP group, with smaller incision, shorter operative time, less intra-operative blood loss (all p  < 0.001) and lower hospitalization cost ( p  = 0.014). Clinical scores (VAS, WOMAC and Lysholm) improved markedly in both cohorts ( p  < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences in the magnitude of improvement (all p  > 0.05). Conclusion This study demonstrates that both DT-LCP and T-LCP achieve favorable clinical outcomes after OWHTO, as evidenced by significant reductions in mean VAS scores and improvements in WOMAC and Lysholm ratings. The two fixation systems provide reliable correction in both the coronal and sagittal planes, with good alignment of lower-limb parameters such as HKA and MPTA, showing excellent durability and safety. Satisfactory functional results were obtained with either implant. However, the DT-LCP group demonstrated superior peri-operative performance, with a significantly lower incidence of implant-related irritation, thereby reducing the need for secondary hardware removal and resulting in a lighter economic burden.

Background Internal fixation is recommended for treating Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures. Although several fixation procedures have been developed with high fixation stability and union rates, long-term weight-bearing constructs are still lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the stability of a double-plate procedure using reversed contralateral locking compression-distal femoral plates for fixation of Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures under full weight-bearing. Methods Single- and double-plate fixation procedures for locking compression-distal femoral plates were analysed under an axial load of 1,500 N by finite element analysis and biomechanical loading tests. A vertical loading test was performed to the prosthetic head, and the displacements and strains were calculated based on load-displacement and load-strain curves generated by the static compression tests. Results The finite element analysis revealed that double-plate fixation significantly reduced stress concentration at the lateral plate place on the fracture site. Under full weight-bearing, the maximum von Mises stress in the lateral plate was 268 MPa. On the other hand, the maximum stress in the single-plating method occurred at the defect level of the femur with a maximum stress value of 1,303 MPa. The principal strains of single- and double-plate fixation were 0.63 % and 0.058 %, respectively. Consistently, in the axial loading test, the strain values at a 1,500 N loading of the single- and double-plate fixation methods were 1,274.60 ± 11.53 and 317.33 ± 8.03 (× 10 − 6 ), respectively. Conclusions The present study suggests that dual-plate fixation with reversed locking compression-distal femoral plates may be an excellent treatment procedure for patients with Vancouver B1 fractures, allowing for full weight-bearing in the early postoperative period.

PurposeNonunion is the most frequent cause of reoperation and is associated with high morbidity after distal femur fracture (DFF). We examined the rates of nonunion requiring reoperation after fixation for DFF using a locking compression plate (LCP) or retrograde intramedullary nail (RIMN).MethodsWe included four studies comparing LCP and RIMN and 38 single-cohort studies reporting LCP or RIMN. In total, 2156 femurs were included and 166 non-unions were detected. We conducted a pair-wise meta-analysis (with a fixed-effects model) on the four comparative studies and a proportional meta-analysis on the 38 articles to estimate the nonunion rate. We performed sensitivity analysis by comparing studies using LCP with less invasive surgical systems (LISS) with those that used RIMN.ResultsThe pairwise meta-analysis showed a similar nonunion rate between the groups [odds ratio: 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94–1.11, p = 0.633]. According to proportional meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of nonunion was 5% (95% CI 4–7) totally, 6% (95% CI 4–8) in the LCP group, and 4% (95% CI 2–6) in the RIMN group (heterogeneity: p = 0.105). According to the sensitivity analysis, there was no difference in the union rate. The pooled prevalence of nonunion from sensitivity analysis was 4 % (95% CI, 3–5); it was 4% (95% CI, 3–6) in LCP with LISS and was 4% (95% CI, 2–6) in RIMN group (heterogeneity: p = 0.941).ConclusionApproximately 5% of patients who underwent LCP or RIMN fixation developed nonunion. Therefore, LCP and RIMN are effective DFF techniques and mastering one of them is essential.

3D printing allows product customisation to be cost efficient. This presents opportunity for innovation. This study investigated the effects of two modifications to the locking compression plate (LCP), an established orthopaedic implant used for fracture fixation. The first was to fill unused screw holes over the fracture site. The second was to reduce the Young’s modulus by changing the microarchitecture of the LCP. Both are easily customisable with 3D printing. Finite element (FE) models of a fractured human tibia fixed with 4.5/5.0 mm LCPs were created. FE simulations were conducted to examine stress distribution within the LCPs. Next, a material sweep was performed to examine the effects of lowering the Young’s modulus of the LCPs. Results showed at a knee joint loading of 3× body weight, peak stress was lowered in the modified broad LCP at 390.0 MPa compared to 565.1 MPa in the original LCP. It also showed that the Young’s modulus of material could be lowered to 50 GPa before the minimum principal stresses increased exponentially. These findings suggested the modifications could lead to improved performances of fracture fixation, and therefore likely that other orthopaedic implants survivorship could also be enhanced by customisation via 3D printing.

Background The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and psychological outcomes of using a locking compression plate (LCP) as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase in the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection (FRI). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records and consecutive X-ray images of patients with tibial bone defects who were treated with an LCP as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase, between June 2017 and December 2022. The ASAMI criteria were applied to assess the bone and functional outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated by using the Paley classification. The SCL-90-R questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ psychological symptoms, documented and compared at Time 1 (before bone transport), Time 2 (after distraction phase), and Time 3(final follow-up). Statistical significance was set at P  < 0.05. Results This study included 22 participants with a mean age of 37.72 ± 9.65 years, comprising 17 males (77.2%) and 5 females (22.7%). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 29 ± 2.65 months. The mean number of previous surgical interventions per patient was 5.22 ± 1.26. Twenty-two patients with tibial bone defects caused by FRI were successfully treated using an LCP as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase, with a mean bone union time of 9.95 ± 1.52 months. Bone union was achieved in all cases (100%) without the use of bone grafts at the docking sites. Following the completion of distraction, the Ilizarov apparatus or monorail fixator was retained for an additional 2.20 ± 0.53 weeks before being exchanged for the external locking compression plate (ELCP). The mean external fixation time (EFT) was 12.29 ± 1.67 months, with a mean external fixation index (EFI) of 1.83 ± 0.22 month/cm (Table 2). At the final follow-up, bone and functional outcomes were evaluated using the ASAMI criteria. Bone outcomes included 10 excellent and 12 good results, while functional outcomes included 12 excellent, 9 good, and 1 fair result. Statistically significant differences in psychological impacts were observed among the three time points (Time 1 vs. Time 2, P  = 0.034; Time 2 vs. Time 3, P  = 0.020; Time 1 vs. Time 3, P  = 0.012). Complications were observed in 6 patients (27.2%), including joint stiffness ( n  = 3), pin-track infection ( n  = 3), and refracture ( n  = 1). All complications were successfully managed. Conclusion LCP used as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase is an effective method for treating massive tibial bone defects caused by FRI and is also suitable for patients with scars and poor tissue conditions resulting from multiple previous debridement. Furthermore, this combined technique could be more beneficial in alleviating psychological burdens, supporting patients’ engagement in rehabilitation, and facilitating a return to normal life. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Background Locked plating of femur fractures is associated with secondary peri-implant fractures which may be a result of stress concentrations at the proximal plate end region. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the strength of healed femoral bone-locking-compression-plate constructs can be increased by modifying the screw configurations and plate length to minimize the risks of peri-implant femur fractures. Methods The detached shaft of a variable angle condylar locking compression plate (VA-LCP Condylar Plate; Johnson & Johnson MedTech) was fixed to the proximal two-third of twenty-four intact artificial femurs in four different configurations ( n  = 6) distinguished by either using a short plate with cortical or locking screws whereby the most proximal screw was inserted in the femoral shaft 50 mm below the lesser trochanter, or using a long plate with either cortical or locking screws whereby the most proximal screw was positioned in the femoral neck. Simulating a situation after fracture healing, constructs were cyclically tested under progressively increased loading until catastrophic failure. Results Long plates fixed with a cortical screws demonstrated the highest failure load (1091 N ± 142 N) which was significantly higher compared to long plates fixed with locking screws (888 N ± 80 N), short plates fixed with cortical screws (471 N ± 42 N), and short plates fixed with locking screws (450 N ± 19 N). In addition, whereas the locking screw construct with a long plate was associated with a significantly higher failure load compared to both short plate constructs, there were no significant differences between the latter two. The failure modes were predominantly characterized by neck screw pull-out in both long plate constructs and peri-implant bone fractures at the most proximal screw in both constructs with short plates. None of the specimens exhibited a femoral neck fracture. Conclusion The findings of this study performed on synthetic bones indicate that from a biomechanical perspective long plates that extend into the femoral neck sustained higher failure loads compared to short plates. In addition, long plates fixed with a cortical neck screw further enhanced the construct strength and reduced the risk of peri-implant fractures compared to the use of a locking neck screw. Therefore, this study supports the use of long locking plates combined with use of cortical neck screws, particularly in high-risk patients, such as those with severe osteoporosis.

Background The incidence of reduction loss after locking compression plate (LCP) fixation in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) is higher. It can severely compromise postoperative shoulder function and, in severe cases, necessitating secondary revision surgery. This study aims to determine the risk factors for reduction loss following PHFs after LCP fixation and establish a comprehensive nomogram to guide clinical decision-making. Methods We retrospectively included data from adult patients with PHFs who underwent LCP fixation at our institution between January 2010 and July 2023 and met the inclusion criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of potential risk factors. Independent risk factors were used to develop a nomogram model. The predictive ability and consistency of the model were evaluated by the concordance index (C-index) and the calibration curve. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the clinical benefit of the nomogram. Results Ultimately, 211 cases of reduction retention (RR) and 20 cases of reduction loss (RL) were finally included. Patients in RL group were notably older, with more severe Neer’s classifications and with more radiological risk factors for complications. Head-splitting fractures, low cortical bone thickness, and failure to achieve anatomical reduction were identified as independent risk factors for RL. Based on these findings, we constructed a nomogram model. Our nomogram model demonstrated a strong predictive performance with a low mean absolute error and high potential significant clinical value. Conclusions Head-splitting fractures, low cortical bone thickness, and failure to achieve anatomical reduction should be recognized as risk factors for RL in patients with PHFs following LCP fixation. Our nomogram model could effectively assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients, potentially enabling changes in clinical practice to prevent this complication. For this purpose, further studies should be conducted to assess its external validity.

The applicability of a polyether ether ketone locking compression plate (PEEK LCP) fabricated using FDM (fused deposition modeling)-based 3D printing to treat actual patients was studied. Three different tests—bending, axial compression, and axial torsion—were conducted on tibial non-osteoporotic comminuted diaphyseal fracture samples fixed with the commercial titanium alloy LCP and 3D-printed PEEK LCP. Comparing the outcomes of these tests revealed that the commercial titanium alloy LCP underwent plastic deformation in the bending and axial torsion tests, though the LCP did not fail even when an external force greater than the maximum allowable load of the tibia fixture of the LCP was applied. Elastic deformation occurred in the 3D-printed PEEK LCP in the bending and axial torsion tests. However, deformation occurred even under a small external force, and its stiffness was 10% compared to commercial titanium alloy LCP. Thus, 3D-printed PEEK LCP can be applied to the fracture conditions in non-weight-bearing regions. The experimental results reveal detailed insights into the treatment of actual patients by considering the stiffness and high toughness of 3D-printed PEEK LCP.

Background To evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of a new technique of autogenous iliac crest bone grafting combined with locking compression plate (LCP) vertical fixation for aseptic recalcitrant long bone nonunion. Methods From July 2010 to September 2020, 36 aseptic recalcitrant long bone nonunions were treated with a bone-forming channel technique and internal LCP fixation. All the patients had received one or more failed treatments. The injury mechanism, nonunion type and duration, and prior treatments were recorded pre-operation. The routine treatment process included nonunion area exposure, previous implant removal, sclerotic bone debridement, LCP fixation, bone-forming channel creation, and iliac bone grafting, and a second LCP fixation when required. At follow-up, X-ray images were obtained to assess bone healing and implant failure. Visual analog scale (VAS), fracture site stability, limb function, activity, muscle strength, limb length, and complications were recorded. Results A total of 34 patients (24 males and 10 females) were finally enrolled, with a mean age of 49.8 ± 12.3 years. At a mean follow-up of 35.6 ± 22.0 months, 32 patients displayed bone union, with a healing rate of 94.1% and mean union time of 6.8 ± 2.4 months. The VAS score was 0.7 ± 1 at the final follow-up. The functional results showed that 19 patients were excellent, 11 patients were good, 2 patients were poor, and 2 patients did not heal. Conclusion Bone-forming channel technique combined with LCP vertical fixation is an excellent option to treat recalcitrant long bone nonunion. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV.

Background A locking compression plate (LCP) of the distal femur is used as an external fixator for lower tibial fractures. However, in clinical practice, the technique lacks a standardized approach and a strong biomechanical basis for its stability. Methods In this paper, internal tibial LCP fixator (Group IT-44), external tibial LCP fixator (Group ET-44), external distal femoral LCP fixator (Group EF-44, group EF-33, group EF-22), and conventional external fixator (Group CEF-22) frames were used to fix unstable fracture models of the lower tibial segment, and anatomical studies were performed to standardize the operation as well as to assess the biomechanical stability and adjustability of the distal femoral LCP external fixator by biomechanical experiments. Results It was found that the torsional and flexural stiffnesses of group EF-44 and group EF-33 were higher than those of group IT-44 and group ET-44 ( p  < 0.05); the flexural stiffness of group EF-22 was similar to that of group IT-44 ( p  > 0.05); and the compressive stiffness of all three EF groups was higher than that of group ET-44 ( p  < 0.05). In addition, the flexural and compressive stiffnesses of the three EF groups decreased with the decrease in the number of screws ( p  < 0.05), while the torsional stiffness of the three groups did not differ significantly between the two adjacent groups ( p  > 0.05). Group CEF-22 showed the highest stiffnesses, while group ET-44 had the lowest stiffnesses ( P  < 0.05). Conclusions The study shows that the distal femoral LCP has good biomechanical stability and adjustability and is superior to the tibial LCP as an external fixator for distal tibial fractures, as long as the technique is used in a standardized manner according to the anatomical studies in this article.