Orthopedic Devices

Indications: subtrochanteric and supracondylar femoral fractures ( Fig. 1 ) as well as femoral osteotomies

Angled plate configuration

Indications: pelvic ( Fig. 2 ) and calcaneal ( Fig. 3 ) fractures

Malleable plate that can be appropriately sized and configured for stabilization of fractures with complex bony surfaces

Also known as periarticular plates

Indications: periarticular fractures, particularly at the distal radius, femur, tibia, and proximal humerus

Varying plate designs with names often dependent on plate configuration, such as T-plate ( Fig. 4 ) and L-plate

Support bone unstable in compression or axial loading by holding impacted and depressed fragments in position, which is enhanced by the elongated contour of the plate as it approaches the articular surface

Indications: stabilization of cortical bone and thus usually placed across the near and far cortex of bone ( Fig. 5 )

Have shallower threads and narrower thread pitch compared with cancellous screws

Indications: metaphyseal fractures of long bones ( Fig. 6 )

Threads more widely spaced and generally deeper compared with cortical screws; often have proximal smooth unthreaded component that allows them to be used as lag screws

Screws with a hollow central shaft allowing insertion over a guidewire or pin, thus allowing more accurate placement ( Fig. 7 )

Can be cancellous or cortical

Indications: scaphoid fractures ( Fig. 8 ) and stabilization of osteochondral ( Fig. 9 ) lesions of the femoral condyles

Cannulated, headless, fully threaded compression screw that optimizes internal holding power

Indications: previously commonly used for scaphoid fractures ( Fig. 10 ); may also be used for other carpal bone fractures and small joint fusions and has been described in stabilization of odontoid process fractures

Headless cannulated screw with threads of differing pitch at both ends and an intervening threadless central component allowing compression of the fracture margins during insertion and fracture healing

Indications: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ( Fig. 11 )

Fixation devices used to provide immediate mechanical strength and stability of anterior cruciate ligament graft until graft incorporation; screws placed along bone blocks preventing movement

Indications: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, most common; may also be used for other soft tissue repairs, such as rotator cuff

Produces initial mechanical strength similar to metal but with the advantage of screw degradation over time with bone replacement

Postoperative imaging not limited by metallic susceptibility artifact, and no need for removal in cases of revision ( Figs. 12 and 13 )

Can produce an inflammatory synovitis as seen on follow-up MRI examinations

Indications: arthroereisis, a procedure performed for correction of overpronation of the foot; a block placed in the sinus tarsi lifts up the talar head, thereby correcting the pronation deformity ( Fig. 14 )

Threaded titanium screw; other blocks may be made of bone, polyethylene disk, Silastic implant, or staple

Indications: intertrochanteric ( Fig. 15 ), subtrochanteric, and basilar neck fractures in addition to femoral condylar fractures

Consists of a cancellous lag screw that moves within a metal sleeve; the sleeve is attached to a side plate that is positioned along the lateral femoral cortex and stabilized via screws

Extramedullary fracture fixation device with dynamic compression at fracture margins with weight bearing