Radius Locking Plate Set

Product Overview

The Radius Locking Plate Set is a comprehensive internal fixation system engineered for the treatment of distal radius, proximal radius, and radial shaft fractures. Manufactured from high-strength medical-grade titanium alloy, these anatomically precontoured plates deliver exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and MRI compatibility. The set includes volar distal radius locking plates, oblique-L distal radius plates (Type I and II), distal radius volar support locking plates, and proximal radius locking plates—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 intra-articular fractures. Available in left and right anatomical variants with hole counts ranging from 3 to 6+6, the system accommodates various patient anatomies. When combined with the dedicated instrument set, this system delivers reliable clinical outcomes for one of the most common upper extremity fractures.

Indications for Use

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

• Distal radius fractures including extra-articular, intra-articular, and comminuted fractures (AO/OTA types 23-A, 23-B, 23-C).

• Volar rim fractures requiring buttress plating to prevent palmar displacement of the distal fragment.

• Dorsal Barton fractures and other shear-type fractures where dorsal plating provides optimal fixation.

• Proximal radius fractures including radial head and neck fractures requiring plate stabilization.

• Radial 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.

• Malunions and non-unions of the distal radius requiring corrective osteotomy and revision fixation.

• Die-punch fractures with impacted articular fragments requiring subchondral support through locking plate technology.

Key Advantages

Anatomical Precontoured Design – Each plate in the set is meticulously shaped to match the specific bony contours of the distal and proximal radius. The volar plates feature a low-profile design that respects the critical volar anatomy—including the flexor tendons, median nerve, and radial artery—while providing optimal subchondral support. The oblique-L designs offer extended coverage for more complex fracture patterns extending into the radial shaft.

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 2.4 mm locking screws (specific to distal radius plates) provide reliable insertion while maintaining a low profile that minimizes tendon irritation. The locking screws engage the plate threads, forming a rigid internal fixator that does not rely solely on bone-screw interface friction.

Volar and Dorsal Plate Options – The system offers both volar and dorsal plate configurations, allowing surgeons to choose the optimal approach based on the fracture pattern and soft tissue condition. The volar approach is preferred for the majority of distal radius fractures due to its lower complication profile, while dorsal plates are available for specific fracture patterns requiring dorsal buttress support.

Countersinkable Head Design – The 2.4 mm and 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 critical consideration in the subcutaneous distal radius region where flexor and extensor tendons pass in close proximity to the implant.

Round, Thin, Blunt Edge Design – All plates feature atraumatic edges specifically designed for minimally invasive insertion through the muscle. This 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 tendon-dense soft tissue envelope of the forearm.

Comprehensive Sizing Matrix – With hole counts ranging from 3 to 6+6, including both standard and oblique-L configurations, the system allows precise anatomical matching to the patient's fracture pattern and bone morphology. The 6+3/4/5/6 hole configurations (shaft holes + head holes) provide extended fixation for fractures with significant metaphyseal comminution.

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 Radius Locking Plate Set comprises multiple plate families, each with distinct sizing parameters tailored to specific radial regions.

Key Material Parameter:

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

• Locking Screw Diameters: 2.4 mm (distal radius), 2.7 mm (proximal radius)

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

Detailed Dimension Tables

Distal Radius Locking Plate II – 2.4 mm System

Oblique-L Distal Radius Locking Plate I – 2.4 mm System

Oblique-L Distal Radius Locking Plate II – 2.4 mm System

Proximal Radius Locking Plate – 2.7 mm System

Volar Distal Radius Support Locking Plate – 2.4 mm System

Distal Radius Volar Locking Plate II – 2.4 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. For volar support plates, the configuration indicates "shaft holes + head holes" (e.g., 6+5 = 6 shaft holes and 5 head holes). 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 Radius Locking Plate Set is supported by a dedicated 15-piece instrument set designed for precise implantation of 2.4 mm and 2.7 mm locking plate systems:

The instrument set is fully autoclavable at 134°C and compatible with standard sterilization cycles. The 0.8 N·m torque-limiting handle (Code 90000314) is specifically calibrated for the 2.4 mm distal radius locking screws to prevent over-tightening and protect the thread interface. For temporary fixation during plate application, supplementary Kirschner wires (1.2–1.6 mm) are recommended.

RFQ – Request for Quotation

Q1: What is the difference between the Oblique-L Distal Radius Plate I and Plate II, and when should each be used?
A: Both plates feature an oblique-L geometry designed for distal radius fractures, but they differ in their specific anatomical fit and screw hole configuration. Oblique-L Plate I (codes beginning with 1098) offers a more robust profile with a wider plate head and is typically indicated for larger distal radius fractures or those with significant comminution requiring additional subchondral support. Oblique-L Plate II (codes beginning with 1105) features a lower-profile design and is preferred for smaller fracture patterns, patients with smaller bone anatomy, or cases where minimal soft tissue irritation is paramount. Both plates are available in 3-, 4-, and 5-hole configurations and come in left and right anatomical variants. The choice should be based on preoperative templating and the patient's specific radial morphology—generally, Plate I is chosen for more complex fractures requiring stronger fixation, while Plate II is selected for less severe injuries or patients with smaller stature.

Q2: What screw sizes are used for the distal radius plates, and are the screws included?
A: The distal radius locking plates utilize 2.4 mm locking screws in both the plate head and shaft. This diameter provides an optimal balance of fixation strength and low-profile design, minimizing tendon irritation—a common concern in distal radius plating. For the proximal radius plates, 2.7 mm screws are used to accommodate the thicker cortical bone in the proximal forearm. The locking screws are not automatically included with each plate but are sold separately to allow surgeons to select the exact screw length needed for each case. Screw lengths range from 8 mm to 30 mm for the distal radius, with variable lengths available for the proximal radius. We offer comprehensive screw kits with pre-selected lengths, packaged in organized screw boxes.

Q3: Can the volar plate be used for dorsal Barton fractures, or do I need a dorsal-specific plate?
A: While volar plates are the standard of care for the majority of distal radius fractures, dorsal Barton fractures (shear fractures involving the dorsal rim) are often better addressed with a dorsal-specific plate or, in some cases, a volar plate combined with dorsal fragment-specific fixation. Our system offers both volar and dorsal plate options, allowing surgeons to select the optimal approach based on the specific fracture pattern. For dorsal Barton fractures with significant displacement, we typically recommend a dorsal buttress plate, which provides direct compression against the dorsal rim and prevents fragment displacement. However, in select cases with minimal fragment displacement, a volar plate with careful reduction and additional dorsal K-wire fixation may suffice. The final decision should be based on preoperative CT assessment and intraoperative evaluation of fragment stability.

Q4: What is the recommended surgical approach for the volar distal radius plate, and what are the key anatomical considerations?
A: The recommended approach for the volar distal radius plate is the standard flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach, which provides excellent exposure to the volar radius while avoiding critical neurovascular structures. The incision is made between the FCR tendon and the radial artery, with careful retraction of the flexor tendons to expose the pronator quadratus. The pronator quadratus is then elevated from the radial origin to expose the distal radius, and after plate application, it is re-approximated to cover the implant and protect the flexor tendons. The key anatomical considerations include: (1) maintaining the plate proximal to the watershed line to avoid flexor tendon irritation, (2) ensuring the plate does not extend distal to the volar rim, and (3) confirming that no screws penetrate the dorsal cortex or the radiocarpal joint intraoperatively using fluoroscopy. Our surgical technique guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions for this approach.

Q5: What is the 6+3, 6+4, 6+5, 6+6 hole configuration in the Volar Distal Radius Support Locking Plate, and how do I choose the right one?
A: The 6+3/4/5/6 configuration refers to the number of screw holes in the plate shaft followed by the number of holes in the plate head. The 6 shaft holes provide diaphyseal fixation extending proximally from the metaphysis, while the head holes (3 to 6) provide subchondral support to the articular fragments. The choice depends on the fracture pattern and the degree of metaphyseal comminution: for simple extra-articular fractures, the 6+3 configuration is typically sufficient; for complex intra-articular fractures with multiple articular fragments, the 6+5 or 6+6 configurations provide additional subchondral screw placement options. The left and right anatomical variants ensure a precise fit for the patient's specific side. We recommend preoperative templating to determine the optimal configuration for each patient.

Q6: What is the recommended torque setting for the 2.4 mm locking screws, and why is torque control important for distal radius plating?
A: The recommended torque setting for the 2.4 mm locking screws is 0.8 N·m, and our instrument set includes a dedicated torque-limiting handle (Code 90000314) pre-set to this value. Torque control is particularly critical in distal radius plating because over-tightening can: (1) strip the threads in the plate or screw, compromising the locking mechanism, (2) cause articular fragment depression or displacement, and (3) create excessive compression that may lead to tendon irritation or rupture. The 0.8 N·m setting is biomechanically validated to provide optimal locking screw engagement without damaging the bone-screw interface or the implant. We strongly recommend using the torque-limiting handle for all locking screws and reserving the non-limiting driver only for non-locking cortical screws where axial compression is required.