Numerical comparison of the bending properties from three different osteosynthesis plate systems: DCP, LC-DCP and LCP

Locking Compression Plates (LCP) are the most recent improvement on osteosynthesis plates. However older plates as DCP are still widely used due to low cost when compared with LCP (about 10-20%). Currently there are few studies that compares the three types of plates to each other. Additionally, due the plates geometry complexity, numerical validations are difficult to be obtained. The objective of this study was to compare the DCP, LC-DCP and LCP plates stiffness with actual and simplified holes using finite element analysis. Numerical models were developed applying appropriated boundary conditions to simulate a 4-point bending test in accordance to ISO 9585. 8 holes DCP models were validated with tests results from reference. Results showed that simplified models had higher properties than non-simplified, besides that, the three plates systems can be used safely, imposing rigid stabilization on fractures site.