DESIGN AND BIOMECHANICS OF A PLATE FOR THE DISTAL RADIUS

dorsal plate for the distal radius was designed to provide rigid fixat ion and thus allow early motion. It functions as a blade plate, lessen ing the role of metaphyseal screws, and providing internal neutralizat ion rather than compression. The rigidity and strength of the plate we re compared to the existing T-plate in an unstable, extra-articular fr acture model in paired, fresh-cadaver, axially loaded radii. The dorsa l plate construct was significantly stronger and more rigid than the T -plate construct. The failure mode was similar for both plate types; 8 of 10 constructs failed with plate bending and screw loosening, while the oldest specimen pair showed primary bone failure. Compared to the T-plate, the dorsal plate transmitted a greater single axial load fro m the articular surface to the shaft.