Locking Versus Nonlocking T-Plates for Dorsal and Volar Fixation of Dorsally Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures: A Biomechanical Study

Locking plates failed to increase the stiffness or strength of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures compared with nonlocking plates. Failure strength and stiffness are greater for locked or nonlocked dorsal constructs than for either locked or nonlocked volar constructs. Whether the lower stiffness and failure strength are of clinical significance is unknown. The unfilled hole at the site of comminution or osteotomy is potentially a site of weakness in both volar locked and nonlocked plates.