New generation of superior single plating vs. low-profile dual minifragment plating in diaphyseal clavicle fractures: a biomechanical comparative study

<bold>Background: </bold>Recently, a new generation of superior clavicle plates was developed featuring the variable-angle locking technology for enhanced screw positioning and a less prominent and optimized plate-to-bone fit design. On the other hand, minifragment plates in dual plating mode have demonstrated promising clinical results. The aim of the current study was to compare the biomechanical competence of single superior plating using the new-generation plate vs. dual plating using low-profile minifragment plates. <bold>Methods: </bold>Sixteen paired human cadaveric clavicles were pairwise assigned to 2 groups for instrumentation with either a superior 2.7-mm variable-angle locking compression plate (group 1), or with one 2.5-mm anterior combined with one 2.0-mm superior matrix mandible plate (group 2). An unstable clavicle shaft fracture (AO/OTA 15.2C) was simulated by means of a 5-mm osteotomy gap. Specimens were cyclically tested to failure under craniocaudal cantilever bending, superimposed with bidirectional torsion around the shaft axis, and monitored via motion tracking. <bold>Results: </bold>Initial construct stiffness was significantly higher in group 2 (9.28 +/- 4.40 N/mm) compared to group 1 (3.68 +/- 1.08 N/mm), P = .003. The amplitudes of interfragmentary motions in terms of axial and shear displacement, fracture gap opening and torsion, over the course of 12,500 cycles were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2, P <= .038. Cycles to 2 mm shear displacement were significantly lower in group 1 (22,792 +/- 4346) compared to group 2 (27,437 +/- 1877), P = .047. <bold>Conclusion: </bold>From a biomechanical perspective, low-profile 2.5/2.0-mm dual plates could be considered as a useful alternative for diaphyseal clavicle fracture fixation, especially in less common unstable fracture configurations.