8
NEW HAND PRODUCTS
Doug Campbell, Thomas Fischer, Jesse B Jupiter
NEW HAND PRODUCTS LCP Distal Ulna Plate 2.0 Fractures of the distal ulna often accompany fractures of the distal radius and occur most commonly through the tip or base of the ulnar styloid process, although some patients have fractures through the ulnar head or neck. An unstable or malaligned fracture of the ulnar head or neck can affect distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) function and may diminish the stability of the distal forearm, which can increase the risk of nonunion of the distal radius. The LCP distal ulna plate 2.0 is an anatomically precontoured implant which has been specifically designed for stable fixation of a variety of fracture patterns of the distal ulna and, when required, to treat concurrent fractures of the head/neck region and styloid process. Indications for this implant are fractures of the distal ulna which result in an unstable radioulnar joint, fractures of the ulna head where the articular surface is either displaced, rotated, or tilted, and comminuted extraarticular fractures of the ulnar neck threatening stable congruency of the distal radioulnar joint. The plate is designed to fit both small and large ulnae, decreasing the need for prebending. The plate has a low profile of 1.3 mm and is highly polished to minimize soft-tissue irritation. Pointed hooks enable the styloid process fragment to be securely held, irrespective of its size. The 2.0 mm locking screws in the distal part of the plate are intercrossing which enables angular stable fixation of head and neck fragments, and provides a better hold in osteopenic bone. Dynamic tests have been performed comparing the strength of the LCP distal ulna plate 2.0 with the LCP condylar plate 2.0. When tested over a fracture gap of 14.7 mm, the LCP distal ulna plate 2.0 had a fatigue strength which was 52% greater than the LCP condylar plate 2.0. The plates are available in stainless steel and CP titanium, and both sterile and nonsterile.