• BACKGROUND
    • Currently, the most difficult-to-treat tibial plateau fractures are complex, comminuted fractures, which result from high-energy trauma. The anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface and the preservation of the soft tissue envelope are required for a good functional result. The aim of this study is to perform a biomechanical evaluation of three constructs used in the treatment of bicondylar fractures: the L‑shaped plate, the LCP locking plate, and the hybrid external fixator.
  • METHODS
    • We used 30 experimental models divided into three study groups. There were ten models for each type of implant.
  • RESULTS
    • The best biomechanical behavior was found with the LCP locking plate, which showed minimal deformation upon cyclic loading, followed by the hybrid external fixator.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • The LCP plate is the optimal implant for the stabilization of Schatzker type V tibial plateau fractures, with low rates of degradation for the implant and the bone-implant assembly.