Humerus Locking Plate Set

Product Overview

The Humerus Locking Plate Set is a comprehensive internal fixation system engineered for the treatment of proximal, diaphyseal, and distal humeral fractures. Manufactured from high-strength medical-grade titanium alloy, these anatomically precontoured plates deliver exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and MRI compatibility. The set includes proximal humeral locking plates (3–10 holes), distal medial humeral locking plates (3–11 holes), distal lateral humeral locking plates (3–12 holes), and proximal humeral extraarticular locking plates (3–8 holes)—offering surgeons versatile options for diverse fracture patterns. The locking screw technology creates a fixed-angle construct providing angular stability, which is particularly advantageous in osteoporotic bone and comminuted fractures. Available in left and right anatomical variants, the system accommodates various patient anatomies. When combined with the dedicated instrument set, this system delivers reliable clinical outcomes for humeral fracture management across the entire bone.

Indications for Use

The Humerus Locking Plate Set is indicated for the following clinical scenarios:

• Proximal humeral fractures including two-part, three-part, and four-part fractures (Neer classification) requiring anatomical reduction and stable fixation.

• Humeral neck fractures with varus or valgus displacement where locking plate fixation provides medial column support.

• Distal humeral fractures including intra-articular, intercondylar, and supracondylar fractures (AO/OTA types 13-A, 13-B, 13-C).

• Humeral shaft fractures with complex or comminuted patterns requiring bridge plating techniques.

• Osteoporotic fractures where the locking screw mechanism provides superior purchase in poor-quality bone compared to conventional non-locking screws.

• Periprosthetic fractures around total shoulder or elbow arthroplasty requiring plate fixation.

• Non-unions and malunions of the humerus requiring revision fixation with angularly stable constructs.

• Pathological fractures secondary to metastatic lesions requiring prophylactic or therapeutic stabilization.

Key Advantages

Anatomical Precontoured Design – Each plate in the set is meticulously shaped to match the specific bony contours of the proximal and distal humerus. The proximal humeral plates feature a low-profile design that respects the complex tuberosity anatomy, while the distal medial and lateral plates are contoured to conform to the distal humeral columns. This anatomical matching reduces the need for intraoperative plate bending, preserves periosteal blood supply, and minimizes soft tissue irritation. The countersinkable head design accommodates 2.7 mm screws to further reduce tissue irritation.

Advanced Locking Screw Technology – The fixed-angle locking mechanism creates a stable, angularly fixed construct that resists toggle and pull-out—a critical advantage in metaphyseal and osteoporotic bone. The locking screws engage the plate threads, forming a rigid internal fixator that does not rely solely on bone-screw interface friction. This biomechanical superiority allows for bridge plating in comminuted fractures and significantly reduces the risk of secondary displacement.

Comprehensive Fracture-Specific Solutions – The system addresses the entire humerus from head to condyles. The proximal humeral plates (standard and extraarticular variants) provide targeted fixation for complex tuberosity fractures, while the distal medial and lateral plates offer options for intercondylar and supracondylar fractures. This comprehensive approach reduces the need for multiple implant systems, simplifying inventory management for surgical centers.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Compatibility – The plates feature round, thin, blunt edges designed for submuscular or percutaneous insertion using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques. This atraumatic profile minimizes soft tissue dissection, preserves fracture hematoma and periosteal vascularity, and reduces postoperative pain and infection risk—particularly beneficial in the well-vascularized but vulnerable soft tissue envelope of the upper arm.

Countersinkable Head Design – The 2.7 mm screw holes in the plate head are designed to be countersunk, allowing the screw heads to sit flush with or slightly below the plate surface. This design significantly reduces hardware prominence and soft tissue irritation, a common concern in the subcutaneous regions of the proximal and distal humerus.

Proximal Suture Hole Integration – The proximal ulna locking plate (part of the complementary elbow set) features dedicated suture holes that allow for soft tissue reattachment after fixation is completed. This is particularly valuable in olecranon and triceps repair, enabling stable fixation of both bone and soft tissue in a single construct.

Superior Material Properties – Constructed from titanium alloy, these plates offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding corrosion resistance, and full MRI compatibility with minimal artifact. The titanium surface is biocompatible, reducing the risk of adverse tissue reactions and promoting predictable osseointegration around the implant.

Dual-Sided Anatomical Variants – Each plate type is available in dedicated left and right anatomical configurations, ensuring optimal fit for the patient's specific side. This side-specific design eliminates the need for extensive intraoperative contouring and maximizes bone contact, reducing the risk of malreduction and implant failure.

Technical Specifications & Sizing

Size Range Overview

The Humerus Locking Plate Set comprises multiple plate families, each with distinct sizing parameters tailored to specific humeral regions.

Key Material Parameter:

• Material: Titanium Alloy (medical-grade, biocompatible, MRI-compatible)

• Locking Screw Diameters: 2.7 mm, 3.5 mm (depending on plate type)

• Fixation Technology: Fixed-angle locking mechanism with combination holes

Detailed Dimension Tables

Proximal Humeral Locking Plate – 3.5 mm System

Distal Medial Humeral Locking Plate III – 2.7/3.5 mm System

Distal Medial Humeral Locking Plate – 2.7 mm System

Distal Lateral Humeral Locking Plate – 2.7/3.5 mm System

Proximal Humeral Extraarticular Locking Plate – 3.5 mm System

Note: All plates are available in non-sterile packaging. Sterile options may be available upon request. The hole count refers to the total number of screw holes in the plate. All plates are supplied with corresponding locking and non-locking screws available separately. Side designation (L/R) must be confirmed preoperatively to ensure proper anatomical fit.

Recommended Companion Instrument Set

The Humerus Locking Plate Set is supported by a comprehensive 32-piece instrument set designed for precise implantation:

The instrument set is fully autoclavable at 134°C and compatible with standard sterilization cycles.

RFQ – Request for Quotation

Q1: What is the recommended screw diameter for the proximal humeral locking plates, and are locking screws included with the plates?
A: The proximal humeral locking plates utilize 3.5 mm locking screws in the shaft and 2.7 mm locking screws in the metaphyseal head, providing optimal fixation strength in both cortical and cancellous bone. The locking screws are not automatically included with each plate but are sold separately to allow surgeons to select the exact screw length and type needed for each case. We offer comprehensive screw sets with pre-selected lengths ranging from 10 mm to 85 mm, packaged in organized screw boxes. For standard orders, we recommend ordering screw kits alongside plate orders to ensure full intraoperative preparedness.

Q2: Can the distal humeral plates be used with a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique?
A: Yes, these plates are specifically designed for MIPO application, featuring round, thin, blunt edges that allow atraumatic submuscular tunneling. The 2.7 mm screw system is particularly suited for the distal humerus, where the limited soft tissue envelope and proximity to neurovascular structures require low-profile implants. The countersinkable head design further reduces soft tissue irritation, making these plates ideal for percutaneous or limited-open approaches. Clinical studies demonstrate that MIPO plating reduces infection rates, blood loss, and recovery time compared to traditional open techniques, particularly in distal humeral fractures.

Q3: What is the difference between the standard distal medial humeral plate and the distal medial humeral plate III, and how do I choose between them?
A: The standard distal medial humeral plate (2.7 mm system, codes beginning with 1034) offers hole counts from 3 to 11 holes and is designed for more distal fractures with smaller fragment sizes. The distal medial humeral plate III (2.7/3.5 mm system, codes beginning with 1097) is a more robust plate with larger footprint and is designed for more complex, comminuted fractures or those extending into the diaphysis, where the additional 3.5 mm screw option provides enhanced fixation strength. The choice depends on fracture location, bone quality, and degree of comminution—for osteoporotic bone or multi-fragmentary fractures, the Plate III system offers superior stability.

Q4: What are the proximal suture holes on the plate used for, and how do they enhance the surgical outcome?
A: The proximal suture holes on the ulna and humeral plates are designed for soft tissue reattachment after bony fixation is completed. In the proximal humerus, these holes allow for fixation of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons, which are often avulsed in complex proximal humeral fractures. In the olecranon region, they facilitate triceps tendon repair. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate suture anchors and provides a unified construct that restores both bone and soft tissue anatomy, improving functional outcomes and reducing the risk of postoperative instability.

Q5: What is the recommended technique for contouring plates, and are there any precautions specific to humeral plating?
A: The plates are precontoured to match typical anatomical shapes and generally require minimal bending. When contouring is necessary, we recommend using the dedicated plate benders (Types A and B) and bending only in the designated flat shaft portion, avoiding the threaded locking holes. Bending within the screw holes can distort the threads and compromise the locking mechanism. For humeral plates, particular caution should be exercised when contouring the proximal metaphyseal region—the plate head should not be bent, as this could alter the tuberosity fit and compromise reduction. We also caution against repeated bending in the same area, as this may weaken the titanium alloy. For complex fractures with significant malalignment, we recommend using the compression holes for reduction prior to screw placement.

Q6: Does the instrument set include all necessary tools for both locking and non-locking screw insertion, and are there humerus-specific instruments?
A: Yes, the 32-piece instrument set includes a comprehensive range of tools for both locking and non-locking screw insertion, including torsion drivers (SW2.5 and star drives), torque-limiting handles (1.5 N·m), drill sleeves of various diameters, taps, countersinks, and depth gauges. The torque-limiting handle is particularly important for locking screws—it prevents over-tightening, which could strip the threads or damage the plate-screw interface. While the instrument set is universal for upper and lower extremity locking plates, the humeral plates are compatible with standard 2.7 mm and 3.5 mm systems. We also offer a dedicated humeral-specific instrument set upon request, which includes specialized retractors and reduction clamps designed for the challenging anatomy of the shoulder and elbow regions.