Caring about soft-tissue

Literature shows that the tibia is a highly variable bone. A good plate fit is essential as it supports a stable fracture fixation, improves screw-plate mechanics, prevents malreductions, and consequently avoids impingement of the overlying soft-tissue.

A CT scan study covering 170 bones was performed to define the ideal shape for the VA-LCP Proximal Tibial Plate. As a consequence of the findings of this study, two plate shapes were developed to cover these bone variances and achieve an optimal plate fit (Fig 2).

Suture-holes in the plate head facilitate meniscus reattachment, and the aiming arm makes a minimally-invasive percutaneous screw insertion possible.

Variable Angle (VA) screw technology to adapt screw direction according to clinical need

The concept of fixed angle locking screws is both clinically proven and widely spread. But with the VA locking technology, with its screw variability of 15° in each direction (Fig 3), additional clinical problems can also be solved:

• Adapt the screw trajectory to varying tibial plateau inclinations, thereby avoiding joint penetration
• Adapt the screw trajectory to condyle size by distributing screws over the tibial plateau
• Capture the fracture fragments and target specific anatomic regions
• Anchor the screws in good quality bone
• Avoid collisions with other implants or prostheses
• All screw types of the small fragment set can be used in any plate hole (3.5 mm VA Locking Screws, 3.5 mm Cortex Screws, 4 mm Cancellous Bone Screws; in nominal angle also 3.7 mm Dynamic Locking Screws, and 3.5 mm Locking Screws).

First clinical experiences with the VA-LCP Proximal Tibial Plate system

During the Market Preference Evaluation, users of the VA-LCP Proximal Tibial Plate rated the performance of the system in terms of plate fit, aiming arm design and handling, and simplicity of surgical technique as excellent in the majority of cases. Plate fitting, screw configurations, the screw variability, and the handling of screw insertion were also rated as being good in the majority of cases, all indicating that the VA-LCP Proximal Tibial Plate provides an effective proximal tibial fracture solution.

While the Market Preference Evaluation of the new VA-LCP Proximal Tibial Plate 3.5 system outlined its needs, advantages and benefits, a highly sophisticated new plate and screw system is still no guarantee of a good result. The key steps in a successful treatment of a complex proximal tibia fracture remain the same, namely, the choice and careful performance of the adequate approaches and the attentive and anatomical reduction of the joint and the axes. Clearly, an exact preoperative plan is also essential in order to fulfill all the biomechanical requirements. However, the new VA-LCP Proximal Tibial Plate 3.5 system offers a comprehensive variety of screw options, instruments, and plate features that support the surgeon to implement the above mentioned key steps, for a successful outcome.

An aiming arm is available for minimally-invasive screw insertion, and is suitable for all plate types (right, left, small bend, large bend).

Case provided by Christian Ryf, Davos, Switzerland

Case: Hiking accident

A 70-year-old female patient had an accident while hiking. Osteoporosis was preexisting but with asymptomatic moderate degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee with chondrocalcinosis of the lateral compartment (Fig 1 and 2).

The area was functional soon after treatment (Fig 3), and the patient was able to experience weight bearing of 20 kg for the first 6 weeks. She was completely pain free after 6 weeks (Fig 4) with excellent muscular function and coordination, therefore unlimited weight bearing after the first follow-up was enabled.