Distal Tibial Lateral Fracture Reconstruction Plate Orthopedic Implant

Introduction:
Reconstruction plates have been traditionally used in fractures of bones with complex 3-D geometry such as the pelvis and distal humerus.

In the distal humerus, the advent of modern precontoured anatomical periarticular locking plates has superseded the use of reconstruction plates. The following information regarding the application of reconstruction plates is only applicable to situations where more modern plates are not available.

Usage scenario:

The plate should extend distally enough to engage all articular fracture fragments and proximally enough so that three cortical screws engage both cortices of the proximal (shaft) fragment.

Select a plate long enough so that the resulting construct respects the principle of balanced fixation. This includes considerations of screw type, screw density and direction, and plate working length.

Use malleable templates to facilitate contouring.

Contour the plate with bending pliers and/or a bending press to fit the distal humerus anatomy.

Place a medial plate on the medial supracondylar ridge and usually slightly posteriorly on top of the soft tissues.

Place a lateral plate directly lateral and usually slightly posteriorly on top of the soft tissues.

Place a dorsolateral plate posteriorly on the lateral column on top of the soft tissues.

Compression plating (medial and lateral plating):