A biomechanical evaluation of methods of distal humerus fracture fixation using locking compression plates versus conventional reconstruction plates.

OBJECTIVES To examine the biomechanical behavior of 2 techniques of double-plate osteosynthesis for fractures of the adult distal humerus using conventional reconstruction plates and locking compression plates. DESIGN Basic science study. SETTING Experimental in vitro study. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Forty fresh-frozen human distal humeri specimens. INTERVENTION Four matched groups with 10 humeri each, median age 74 years (46-95), were created using similar bone mineral density values. Two standard configurations of double-plate osteosynthesis (dorsal or 90 degrees configuration) with either conventional reconstruction plates or locking compression plates were studied for biomechanical properti…