Accidents, degenerative diseases, and injuries leave your bones shattered, broken, and misaligned. All of these musculoskeletal conditions make your life challenging. However, given the advancements in orthopedic surgery, today, there are plenty of orthopedic tools that are helping patients return to their normal activities without any discomfort. Among many tools, orthopedic implants have proven to be revolutionary medical products that not just treat fractures but also help in addressing bone deformities, arthritis, etc.
Internal fixation is one of the most effective techniques that promotes bone healing and recovery, while keeping the broken bone intact and stable. This is where the role of the two main orthopedic products comes into play – the bone screws and plates.
Let’s Understand Bone Screws and Plates
The bone screws and plates are two of the most common medical implants. These help to heal the bone by holding the fragments in place tightly and securely. These orthopedic devices are manufactured with precision using the best high-quality and medical-grade materials, be it stainless steel or titanium.
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Bone Plates: These are specially designed metal strips that act as an internal support to the broken bone. A plate is fixed to the bone using screws, which then hold the fragmented bone together to support and promote recovery.
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Bone Screws: A screw is very much like the common screw, but engineered medically for the bone only. They provide anchorage to the plate that holds together the bone fragments and maintains stability throughout the recovery process.
Different Types of Bone Plates and Screws
Types of Bone Plates:
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Compression Plates: This one pulls the broken bone together tightly by allowing better healing.
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Buttress Plates: Provide strong reinforcement to the bones that are under high pressure, such as in joint areas.
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Tension-Band Plates: This one promotes bone growth and is mostly used in younger patients for the correction of deformities over time.
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Bridging Plates: Surgically placed in multiple-piece fractures and provide scaffolding for recovery.
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Neutralization Plates: Release stress from the repaired fractures during healing.
Types of Bone Screws:
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Cortical Screws: These are designed for dense outer layers of the bone.
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Cancellous Screws: Features wider threads and are ideal for the softer bone within the joints.
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Locking Screws: Locks into the plate for maximum stability, and is used in fragile bones.
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Cannulated Screws: These are hollow orthopedic implants designed to guide over an orthopedic wire for precise placement during bone fixation. The cannulation allows for the screws to be inserted over a guide wire, which aids in precise placement and alignment during the procedure. Cannulated screws are commonly used to fix fractures in both small bones (like the wrist, ankle, and foot) and large bones (such as the femur and tibia). They also support joint fusion (arthrodesis) procedures and help stabilize bones after surgical realignment in the case of Osteotomies.
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Lag Screws: They are used to create strong compression between the bone fragments.
When are Bone Plates and Screws Used For?
The use of bone plates and screws is not the same for all. Their surgical application in a case depends on various factors, including injury type, location, and complexity of the fracture. The surgeons always assess each of these aspects and then determine if the patient must be treated with orthopedic products for internal fixation or not.
Given below are some of the most common uses of bone plates and screws:
For Bone Fracture Treatment
These are ideal for the fractures that are unstable due to multiple bone pieces and occur near the joint areas. Such a type of fracture injury requires more support than normal, as the joint is involved. The orthopedic surgeons turn to the bone plates and screws to realign and stabilize these fractures, which promote healing and lower the risk of long-term disability. These implants hold the bone properly in the correct position for the desired recovery results.
Complex Traumatic Injuries
A high-impact injury can shatter the bone and even push it out of its original alignment in different ways. An internal fixation done using plates and screws is the only solution to restore these bones to their normal position and shape. This can allow safe healing and earlier mobilization of the patient.
Developmental Bone Deformities
Along with injuries and fractures, these orthopedic implants can also be indicated for correcting genetic or developmental bone deformities. A lot of surgeons realign the bone using screws and plates to maintain the new shape in case of osteotomies. Sharma Orthopedic has witnessed many surgeons using these plates for growth-related discrepancies.
Frequently Asked Questions on Bone Screws and Plates in Orthopedic Surgery
Q1: What are bone screws and plates used for in orthopedic surgery?
Bone screws and plates are used for internal fixation to hold broken bone fragments in place. They provide stability, promote healing, and help restore normal bone function after fractures, deformities, or traumatic injuries.
Q2: How long do bone screws and plates stay in the body?
In many cases, bone screws and plates can remain in the body permanently. However, in certain situations—such as irritation, infection, or in pediatric cases—they may be removed after the bone has healed, typically 6–18 months post-surgery.
Q3: What materials are used for orthopedic bone plates and screws?
Most orthopedic bone plates and screws are made from titanium or medical-grade stainless steel. These materials are biocompatible, strong, and resistant to corrosion, ensuring safe integration with the human body.
Q4: Are bone screws and plates used for all types of fractures?
No. They are generally used for unstable fractures, complex breaks, and injuries involving joints or multiple bone fragments. The decision depends on fracture type, location, patient’s health, and surgeon’s expertise.
Q5: What is the difference between locking plates and standard plates?
Locking plates have threaded holes that allow locking screws to fix firmly into the plate, providing greater stability—especially in fragile or osteoporotic bones. Standard plates rely on friction between the plate and bone for stability.
Q6: Can bone screws and plates be used for children?
Yes, but pediatric orthopedic surgeons often select special designs to accommodate growing bones. In children, plates and screws may be removed after healing to avoid affecting bone growth.
Q7: Where can I buy high-quality orthopedic bone plates and screws in India?
Sharma Orthopedic is a leading orthopedic implants manufacturer in India, offering a complete range of bone plates and bone screws made from certified medical-grade materials for maximum safety and performance.
Sharma Orthopedic – Innovating and Inventing High-Quality Orthopedic Implants
The bone plates and screws have changed the way orthopedic surgeons treat fracture
and deformity cases. These orthopedic products allow secure fixation and sturdy support
to the affected bone for faster recovery. While it is completely understandable that
these procedures may have surgical complications, one must choose the right product
wisely. Using high-quality and certified medical devices, including these bone screws
and bone plates, helps you maximize the results and minimize the risks. So, if you are
looking for bone plates, screws, or any other orthopedic product for your patient,
contact our expert team, who can
help you make the right decision for the best possible outcome for bone health.