The comparative strengths of orthopaedic staples versus a 2.7 mm T plate in the stabilisation of distal radial osteotomies

Distal radial osteotomies were performed in 20 limbs from ten cadaver specimens. Ten bones were stabilised with two × 1.6 mm surgical bone staples and ten were stabilised with a 2.7 mm T platea. The radii were removed and the osteotomies were biomechanically tested in torsion initially, and then to failure in bending. Statistically significant differences were not found between the two types of repair in torsional stiffness, bending stiffness, deflection to failure in bending, or load to failure in bending. Orthopaedic staples are a simple, cost-effective alternative to bone plates for stabilisation of distal radial osteotomies.