Comparison of different plate constructs in a canine femoral gap fracture model: An “In-silico” biomechanical study

Background: Femoral fractures are a common occurrence in canine patients, accounting for a significant proportion of long bone fractures. Diaphyseal fractures, particularly comminuted ones, pose a challenge due to the need for robust stabilization systems that can withstand various mechanical loads. Orthogonal plate constructs have been proposed as a solution, but their biomechanical behaviour in comminuted femoral fractures has not been extensively studied. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical performance of different orthogonal plate configurations in a canine femoral gap fracture model using in-silico biomechanical analysis. Results: The study compared three models: a single lateral plate (Model A), a lateral plate with a cranial plate (Model B), and a lateral plate with a caudal plate (Model C). The results showed that Model C exhibited superior mechanical properties, including lower stress concentrations and higher factors of safety (FoS). Model C achieved a FoS 7.99 times larger than Model A and 1.72 times larger than Model B. The stress distribution analysis revealed that the caudal plate in Model C acted as the primary load-bearing element, effectively distributing the load and reducing the risk of implant failure. This was consistent with the alignment of the caudal plate with the load forces, which attracted more stress and minimized bending moments. Conclusions: Orthogonal plate constructs, particularly those with a caudal plate, provide enhanced mechanical stability in comminuted femoral fractures. The findings suggest that the caudal plate configuration offers better performance under compressive loads, making it a preferable choice for clinical applications. Despite the study's limitations, including the use of theoretical models and data from a single individual, the results support the potential applicability of these constructs in future studies and clinical practice.