A contoured locking plate: Biomechanical evaluation of an osteosynthesis for osteoporotic ankle fractures

Introduction Ankle fractures involving the distal fibula belong to the most common fractures. Operative treatment is indicated in unstable ankle fractures by open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws. Especially in the elderly, the osteoporotic bone provides reduced stabilization of this fixation. Therefore, an implant providing improved mechanical stabilization could allow a more functional treatment and avoid complications as cut out of the implant. We designed an anatomic preshaped locking plate for fixation of distal fibula fractures, focussing the osteoporotic bone (Fig. 1). Biomechanical comparison was performed between the new contoured locking plate and an existing regular contoured plate. The regular contoured plate showed in a previous study a four fold increased stiffness and torsional strength in comparison to the third tube plate.