Factors affecting accurate drill sleeve insertion in locking compression plates

Summary Background Accurate positioning of locking screws depends on accurate insertion of the drill sleeve into the locking compression plate (LCP). The purpose of the present study was to determine factors affecting accurate drill sleeve insertion. Hypothesis Tilting and shallow locking screw holes and combination-type holes make it difficult to insert the drill sleeve in the LCP. Materials and methods Twenty-seven 3.5 mm LCP metaphyseal insertion holes were selected (Philos ® , LPHP ® , DMTP ® , low-band DMTP ® [Synthes, Solothurn, Switzerland]). Two orthopedic surgeons checked the time taken for accurate insertion of the drill sleeve into the plate. Variables relating to LCP drill sleeve insertion time were analyzed. Results It took an average 6.6 seconds to insert the drill sleeve accurately in the holes. Insertion time increased with the tilt of the screw hole but not with shallowness. Insertion time in combination-type holes was longer (8.8 seconds) than in single locking holes (5.6 seconds). Discussion Tilted screw holes and combination-type holes affect the insertion of the drill sleeve into 3.5 mm LCPs. Level of evidence Level IV, experimental study.