An Overview of the Locking Plate Technology

Bones serve as the internal framework that supports our body, allowing us to move, and providing protection to soft tissues such as the heart, lungs, and brain. When it comes to bone fractures, there can be wide-ranging reasons from falls to car accidents to sports injuries. Bone fractures can be treated with great accuracy thanks to the orthopedic plating technology. Orthopedic surgeons implant locking plates that support the bone while it heals and help you regain movement quicker. Continue reading as we provide an overview of the locking plate technology. 

What is a Locking Plate?

A locking plate is an internal fixation device attached to the damaged bones to keep them stabilized and in alignment. Made from stainless steel or titanium, locking plates are designed to match the specific anatomical surface of the bone, which are beneficial in the management of long bone meta epiphyseal fractures, malunion, and non-union fractures. Locking plates are placed on the bones, which can pose several risks and complications. This is why it is advisable to buy from a reliable medical device supplier that provides high-quality and corrosion-resistant locking plates. 

How is LCP different from Conventional Plates?

Locking plate has gained popularity recently in osteosynthesis surgery and it involves a less rigid approach to healing bone fractures than conventional plates. While conventional plates require close contact between the fractured fragment and the plate, locking plates lock to the threaded screw holes to maintain stability. This prevents cortical bone perfusion and provides more stable fixation than conventional bones. 

Types of Locking Compression Plates (LCP)

There are many different types of Locking Compression Plates (LCPs) based on their shape, head holes, shaft holes, length, etc. Based on the locations, different types of LCPs are used for fracture management. Let’s discuss two examples:

Pelvic Plates - The socket part of the hip bone includes the “acetabulum” which facilitates the connection of the pelvis and the femur. Pelvic plates are used to fix fractures in the acetabulum area mainly. The types of locking plates used in the pelvic region may include straight, sacroiliac- joint, curved, and symphysis locking plates.Maxillofacial Plates - Maxillofacial is a term relating to the bones of the jaw, mouth, face, and neck. The plates used in the area can further be divided as:Craniofacial Plates - Craniofacial plates are used to treat fractures in the bones of the face and skull including the region of the face, cranium, and embryonic pharynx-derived structures of the ventral neck.Mandible Plates - Mandible plates (commonly known as the lower jaw) are used to fix fractures of the lower jawline, which holds the lower teeth in place. 

Depending on the shape, curved strut, T-shaped, X-shaped, Y-shaped, orbital, Burr hole, and other locking compression plates can be used as maxillofacial plates.

Conclusion 

Locking plates are of different types based on their shape, shaft and head holes, length, and where they are used for fracture management. Not only does the locking plate system precisely addresses the limitations of the conventional plating system but it also provides more flexible adaptation along the curvature of the bone. This ensures complete stability during the healing phase. When looking to buy LCPs, contact a medical implant supplier that leverages extensive R&D and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to provide high-quality locking plates with different specifications.