Anatomic Locked Plating System for Orthopedic Trauma

A locked plating system offers anatomically designed titanium plating technology for treating hand and distal fibula fractures.

The anatomic locked plating system (ALPS) Hand Fracture System and the ALPS Composite Locking Plate System utilize low profile, high strength plates, designed to minimize discomfort and soft tissue irritation. The plates provide the flexibility of in situ contourability--providing the ability to mimic the patient's natural anatomy--as well as multiple screw and fixation options. The composite locking plates are particularly well suited for distal fibula procedures, which often involve complex fractures and minimal tissue coverage; the small-fragment plate features a bulleted tip at the proximal end to facilitate insertion under the muscles of the lower leg. Both plating systems come pre-loaded with unique disposable and color-coded fixed angle screw targeting guides (FAST Guide inserts), which direct the trajectory of the drill-bit through the plate to facilitate accurate screw placement after drilling the hole. This has the potential to save time in the operating room, since no intra-operative assembly of the guides is required. All plates are treated with a proprietary process called TiMAX that reduces friction and provides a smooth, uniform surface, while at the same time increasing the titanium alloy's fatigue strength. The ALPS systems are products of DePuy Orthopaedics (DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA), a Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, CT, USA) company.

"The ALPS family of plating solutions enables surgeons to provide treatment to suit both the anatomy and complexity of the fracture,” said Gordon Van Ummersen, worldwide president of DePuy Trauma and Extremities. "We'll continue to build on this innovative and versatile locked plating technology through the launch of additional anatomic modules over the next year.”

In addition to the two new ALPS systems, DePuy also provides the ALPS Small Fragment, Large Fragment, and Distal Tibia Plating Systems that combine the benefits of locking screw technology with conventional plating techniques. This hybrid plate concept allows surgeons to stabilize fractures with non-locking screws through the plate, and then obtain neutralization of the construct with locking screws.

Related Links:
DePuy Orthopaedics
Johnson & Johnson