Plate Luting* A Preliminary Report of Its Use in Horses

Abstract

Plate luting, a new method of interfacing a compression plate to bone for the repair of fractures, was proposed as a method to help facilitate immediate full weight bearing following internal fixation with plates and screws in horses. Theoretical mechanisms relating bone‐plate contact and screw support were discussed. Preliminary mechanical testing showed increased endurance of luted bone‐plate composites to cyclic loading when compared with the same devices without plate luting. Screw loosening, which often precedes plate failure, did not occur. In vivo studies showed results similar to in vitro experiments.