December 11, 2016

VA LCP Two-Column Plate-Extra Long

Douglas Campbell, Thomas Fischer

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Fig 1 The 7-hole (above) and 10-hole (below) plates are available in both stainless steel and titanium.

VA LCP Two-Column Plate-Extra Long
 

In December 2016, AOTK Trauma approved the VA LCP Two-Column Extra Long Plate (Fig 1) designed for the treatment of intra- and extraarticular fractures, osteotomies, and nonunions and malunions of the distal radius. The plate is available with 7, 10, and 13 holes in the shaft and is indicated for fixation with or without extension into the radial diaphysis. Use of trial implants can assist with determining the plate size appropriate for the patient.

Cases 1 and 2 provided by Max Daniel Kauther and Marcel Dudda, Essen, Germany

Case 1: Multifragmentary distal radius fracture with extension into the diaphysis

A 26-year-old man suffered a multifragmentary fracture of his left distal radius with extension into the diaphysis (AO23 C3.3) (Fig 2). The VA LCP Extra Long Two-Column plate was used for fixation (Fig 3). After initial immobilization, the plate provided a good postoperative fixation of the fracture.

The fracture showed primary bone healing without callus formation. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was full weight bearing with excellent clinical function (Fig 4). The radiological follow-up can be technically challenging due to the correct focus of the central ray.

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Fig 2 Preoperative images.
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Fig 3 Images at the 3-month postoperative follow-up.
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Fig 4 Good clinical function at the 3-month postoperative follow-up.

Case 2: Open radius shaft fracture

A 59-year-old farmer suffered a crush injury with an open forearm fracture (AO22 C2, Gustilo and Anderson IIIB) (Fig 5). Initial stabilization was carried out by external fixator (Fig 6). After four rounds of debridement and capillary ingrowth of a splitting skin graft at day 17, the VA LCP Extra Long Two-Column plate was used for fixation of the radius. A 2.7 mm LCP Condylar Plate was used for fixation of the ulna. The plates provided good stability for a functional after-treatment.

At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was full weight bearing with healing fractures (Fig 7).

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Fig 5 Preoperative images.
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Fig 6 Initial fixation by external fixator.
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Fig 7 The images at the 3-month follow-up.

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