The advantages of using veterinary S.S locking screws are well known in the field of veterinary surgery. These screws can reduce the infection rate of the TPLO constructs. In a study of 208 dogs, locking screws were found to have a lower infection rate than non-locking screws.
Compared to standard screws, locking screws have a larger core diameter and finer thread pitch. This prevents the screws from shearing or bending. It also eliminates the need for compression between the plate and the bone. The screwhead is of the same shape as standard LC-DCP(r). This screw also features a 'String of Pearls' design wherein each node is shaped to accommodate the head of the standard screw with a Morse taper design.
Another advantage of locking plate-screw constructs is that the screws provide a stable fixation. Although the screw and bone interface is not largely contacted, the cumulative strength of screw and plate interface is sufficient to provide the stability needed for stabilizing bone defects. Therefore, locking plate-screw constructs offer the potential to be superior to conventional plates.
Locking screws have the added benefit of providing load transfer and stability at the near cortex. The threaded connection between screw and plate enables a secure fixation. However, their use in small animals is controversial, due to the thin cortex. Another alternative is bicortical screw fixation.