Strength evaluation of a commercial and patient-specific clavicle fracture fixation plate using a biofidelic model

Last decade, a shift towards operative treatment of midshaft clavicular fractures has been observed [1]. Although plate osteosynthesis is supported by scientific evidence, mechanical requirements are absent [2]. The goal of this study was to compare the strength of a commercial and a low-profile patient-specific plate in case of contact between 2 fracture fragments, using 3 peak load cases, which were identified by musculoskeletal modeling, and finite-element analysis. Results showed that the thickness of the titanium commercial plate (CP) could be reduced. By designing a patient-specific plate, similar stress levels could be achieved with a lower thickness, compared to CP. However, fatigue and stiffness should also be taken into account in future evaluations of new fracture fixation devices.