Orthopedic plates

Orthopedic plates are metal implants used to stabilize bone fractures through internal fixation. They are placed on the surface of the bone and secured with specialized screws to maintain proper alignment during bone healing.

There are different designs depending on:

• Fracture type

• Anatomical location

• Biomechanical need

• Bone quality

  
  

Plates can be used in fractures of:

• Femur

• Tibia

• Humerus

• Radius

• Clavicle

• Pelvis

  
  

Main functions

• Stabilize bone fragments

• Maintain anatomical alignment

• Enable early mobilization

• Promote proper bone healing

Currently, orthopedic plates are an essential part of modern trauma surgery.

Cortical screws

Cortical screws are implants designed to be fixed into cortical bone, that is, the dense outer layer of bone.

They are characterized by:

• Fine threads

• Higher thread count

• High compression capacity

They are frequently used in conjunction with orthopedic plates and internal fixation systems.

Common applications

• Plate fixation

• Diaphyseal fractures

• Interfragmentary compression

• Bone reconstruction

The correct selection of diameter and length is fundamental to achieving adequate mechanical stability.

Spongy screws

Cancellous screws are designed to be fixed in trabecular or cancellous bone, present mainly in bone epiphyses.

They differ in:

• Wider threads

• Greater spacing between threads

• Better grip on less dense bone

Frequent uses

• Joint fractures

• Metaphyseal fractures

• Fixation of epiphyseal fragments

• Hip injuries

Many models include cannulation to facilitate image-guided techniques.

Intramedullary nails

Intramedullary nails are long implants that are inserted into the medullary canal of the bone.

They are mainly used in fractures of long bones such as:

• Femur

• Tibia

• Humerus

Main advantages

• High biomechanical stability

• Reduced soft tissue damage

• Proper load distribution

• Early mobilization

Currently, there are locked systems that increase the rotational and axial stability of the implant.

External fixators

External fixators are bone stabilization systems located outside the body and connected to the bone using pins or transcutaneous screws.

They are widely used in:

• Open fractures

• Severe trauma

• Temporary damage control

• Deformity correction

• Bone lengthening

Advantages

• Access to injured soft tissues

• Less initial surgical invasiveness

• Rapid stabilization

• Clinical adaptability

They can be used as a temporary or permanent treatment depending on the case.

Orthopedic prostheses

Orthopedic prostheses are artificial devices designed to partially or completely replace a damaged joint.

They are primarily used in:

• Advanced osteoarthritis

• Complex fractures

• Degenerative diseases

• Severe joint failure

Common types

• Hip replacement

• Knee replacement

• Shoulder replacement

• Elbow replacement

The goal is to restore:

• Mobility

• Function

• Stability

• Quality of life

Modern prostheses use highly resistant and biocompatible biomaterials.

Locked plates

Locking plates are advanced internal fixation systems in which the screws are mechanically locked to the plate.

This creates a more stable and rigid structure compared to conventional plates.

Main advantages

• Greater angular stability

• Improved performance in osteoporotic bone

• Reduced loss of fixation

• Bone vascular preservation

They are widely used in:

• Complex fractures

• Geriatric patients

• Periarticular fractures

DHS Systems

The DHS (Dynamic Hip Screw) system is an implant primarily used for the treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures.

It consists of:

• Sliding screw

• Side plate

• Dynamic compression system

  
  

Biomechanical function

It allows controlled compression on the fracture site during patient weight-bearing.

Advantages

• Mechanical stability

• Facilitates consolidation

• Widely known technique

The DHS continues to be one of the most widely used systems in hip traumatology.

DCS Systems

The DCS (Dynamic Condylar Screw) system is an implant designed for complex fractures of the distal femur and supracondylar regions.

It combines:

• Condylar screw

• Angle plate

Main objectives

• Provide angular stability

• Maintain distal femoral alignment

• Enable fixation in metaphyseal bone

It is especially used in fractures with joint involvement or loss of structural stability.

Orthopedic meshes

Orthopedic meshes are metal structures used for bone support, containment, or reconstruction.

They can be used in:

• Bone defects

• Complex reconstructions

• Maxillofacial surgery

• Severe trauma

Functions

• Structural support

• Graft retention

• Biomechanical stability

• Anatomical reconstruction

Modern meshes are designed with biocompatible materials and high anatomical adaptability.

Cerclages

Cerclages are fixation systems that use metal wires or cables to encircle and stabilize bone fragments.

They are frequently used in conjunction with other osteosynthesis systems.

Common indications

• Comminuted fractures

• Periprosthetic fractures

• Fixation of small fragments

• Complex reconstructions

Materials used

1. Stainless steel

2. Specialized metal cables

Cerclages help improve the overall stability of the fastening.

Biomaterials

Biomaterials are materials designed to interact safely and functionally with the human body.

In orthopedics and traumatology they are used to manufacture:

• Implants

• Prostheses

• Fixation systems

• Bone substitutes

  
  

Características importantes

• Biocompatibility

• Mechanical strength

• Corrosion resistance

• Biological integration

Most commonly used biomaterials

Titanium

High biocompatibility and resistance.

Surgical stainless steel

High durability and structural support.

Biomedical polymers

Used in specific applications and resorbable systems.

Biomedical ceramics

Used in joint replacements and bone regeneration.

The development of new biomaterials continues to transform modern orthopedic surgery.

OSTEONORTE SAS offers solutions and implants for osteosynthesis and traumatology procedures in Colombia.