Are Variable-Angle Locking Screws Stable Enough to Prevent Calcaneal Articular Surface Collapse? A Biomechanical Study.

PURPOSE: To compare fixed- or variable-angle locking screws in calcaneal fracture plates using a sawbones biomechanical model. METHODS: Intra-articular calcaneal fractures were created in synthetic bones. Reduction and stabilization was performed with 3 different plates. In group A, a fixed-angle locking plate was used with screws fastened perpendicularly to the plate (3.5 LCP, DePuySynthes). In groups B and C (2.7 VA-LCP, DePuySynthes and 3.5 Aptus, Medartis, respectively), fracture fixation was performed using variable-angle locking plates. Biomechanical testing was conducted. Displacement of the subtalar articular surface, stiffness, maximum displacement, change in the angle of Gissane, and mode of failure under cyclic loading at 200 N, 600 N, and 1000 N (500 cycles each) were determined. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference of articular surface dislocation under cyclic loading was detected. The stiffness and maximum displacement did not reveal any disparity as well. The change in the angle of Gissane showed only minor displacement of the articular surface. CONCLUSION: In our study, the resistance of variable-angle locking plates against articular surface displacement was similar to fixed-angle locking screws.