Osteosynthesis plaques are widely
used in veterinary medicine in the correction of fractures, corrective
osteotomies, oncological surgeries of limb salvage, the resolution of joint
pathologies (arthrodeses), etc.
Blocked plaques represent a major
innovation in the field of osteosynthesis, with great biomechanical advantages.
These plates follow the biomechanical principle of the external fixators, but have
more stability due to the smaller distance between the implant and the bone.
The locked plates acquire stability
by rigidly fixing the screw heads to the plate holes, while the stability of
the DCPs depends on the tightening of the screws to create and maintain the
compression of the plate with the bone. The transmission of forces from the
locked systems occurs through the screws and the plate, and not through the
bone/plate interface, which is why implant rupture is more frequent with this
system.
Monocortical or bicortical screws
may be applied on these plates. The migration of the blocked screws is minimal,
unlike the non-locked ones.
Blocked plates do not imply
compression between the plates and the bone, so it’s not necessary to mold them
perfectly to the bones; this facilitates their application, reduces surgery
time and allows less invasive techniques. Its placement doesn’t deform the
primary reduction of the fracture.
As there is no compression of the
periosteum, there is no involvement of the vascularisation, which reduces
infections, bone sequestration, delayed unions and non-unions.
The main
indications for the blocked plates are: comminuted fractures; fractures in
which one of the fragments does not allow the fixation of screws in at least
five corticals; when it’s not possible to apply bicortical screws; techniques
of minimal invasion; and, of course, preference of the surgeon.
Blue’s locking plates are a combined
type, allowing the placement of locking screws or compression screws. Thus,
they may be used as locked internal fasteners, as traditional compression
plates or as a combination of both. When placing locking screws, they must be
perpendicular to the hole in the plate and will act as rigid internal
fasteners. Usually, fewer screws are required per fragment when using locked
plates, as compared to compression plates.
To place Blue Locked Plates and
Screws you only need a drill, a locking guide and a stardrive screwdriver.
Send us your questions to
info@blueveterinary.com.
