Make Sure To Read This Before You Buy An Orthopedic Locking Plate

Make Sure To Read This Before You Buy An Orthopedic Locking Plate

If you have had mild pain continuously for months, then you might know how daunting it can be. The pain does not let you live your daily life to the fullest. Also, when pain continues to stay over a longer period, it may be because of several reasons like fracture, arthritis, bone accident, etc. Before, the solution to these problems was difficult to find. 

But today, with the emergence of locking plates, it is easy. Now, the doctor uses orthopedic implants to cure bone fractures by internally fixing bone plates with screws. Let us learn more about this orthopedic plate.

What are orthopedic locking plates and their application?

Orthopedic locking plates popularly called locking compression plates, combine conventional plating systems and locking screw technology. In other words, it includes both screw and plate in it. Because of the locking system, the chances of failure reduce to a minimum as the screw does not get loose or pull out. 

So, one can say that the main application of orthopedic plates and screws is fixation. The process helps stabilize the fractured bone, improving its healing rate and making it able to function fully.

If you want to get the most out of your orthopedic plates, make sure to look for the following features:

●       The plates’ width and thickness should be proportionate to the fractured bone.

●       Capable of holding the fracture symmetrically and with sufficient pressure. 

●       Neutralize pressure on fractures like compression, fracture, torsional, and shear forces.

●       Have a closing into the bone’s contour.

Different types of orthopedic locking plates are available on the market

There are multiple types of plates offered. There are also different materials by which it is made up like stainless steel and titanium. However, most people choose stainless steel as it is strong, easy to use, and inexpensive. On the other hand, titanium is biocompatible; it allows free bending and shaping during surgery. Plus, it is less likely to induce allergy. Now to make a better choice at your purchase, you must also know the different types of orthopedic bone plates:

●       Dynamic compression plate: DCP is the standard orthopedic plate in the market that brings together two edges of fractured bones. As a result, they can be welded better and faster. When the doctor tightens the screws of this plate, it forces the place to dynamic forces on the broken pieces. When the same pressure is asserted from the other side, the bones come together and weld correctly.

●       Limited Contact Dynamic Compression plate: It is an improved version of DCP that provides relatively less pressure to the fractured bone. As a result, the damage made to the pericytes, including blood vessels, decreases. Thus, the broken bone’s blood flow increases and results in better repair.

●       Locking compression plates: It is a modern form of plating system that combines both traditional and locking screw technology. As a result of this composite unit, the chance of plate-to-bone contact reduces and helps facilitate periosteum blood circulation. 

●       Reconstruction plates: If you get this orthopedic plate, it will allow you to move in any desired plane. These are highly adaptable and useful in complex cases of distal hummers, clavicles, and the pelvis. 

●       Anatomical plates: Anatomical plates are mainly used for distal tibial fractures. These are contoured plates for various anatomical sites. Further, you can also use these for intra or juxta-articular fractures because the bone anatomy is different in joint areas. 

What do people get out of the usage of orthopedic locking plates?

Now that you have learned about the different types of orthopedic plates offered, it is time to learn why people use them. These plates have evolved a lot from the traditional times to help people heal their fractures quickly and satisfactorily. There are several advantages of these locking systems over our bodies. They are:

●       Better than conventional screw system: The locking plate and screw system are a lot better than the conventional screw system. The conventional system required precision in the adaptation of the plate present inside the bone. Without intimate contact, it could result in an alteration in the position of the fractured bone. However, as the screws are tightened in the locking plate, the lock gets fixed to the plate. Thus, it stabilizes the position of broken bones without alteration.

●       Cortical bone perfusion remains untouched: The orthopedic plate does not disrupt the underlying perfusion of cortical bone.

●       Stable: Locking screw system has proved to be more stable than a conventional screw system.

●       The screw does not loosen up: The most important benefit of using a locking screw system is that its screw never loosens up on its own. Thus, it decreases the chance of internal inflammation.

Conclusion

After reading this, you might be clear on the areas you need to focus on while choosing a locking plate for yourself. Also, the above advantage will help you clear the doubt of whether to buy an orthopedic plate or not if you have any.