Introduction:
Reconstruction plates have been traditionally used in fractures of
bones with complex 3-D geometry such as the pelvis and distal
humerus.
In the distal humerus, the advent of modern precontoured anatomical
periarticular locking plates has superseded the use of
reconstruction plates. The following information regarding the
application of reconstruction plates is only applicable to
situations where more modern plates are not available.
| Product No. | Specification | Length * Width * Thickness | Material |
| 3511-(A/S)1005(L/R) | 5 Holes | 121*17*3.2 | Pure Titanium
Stainless Steel |
| 3511-(A/S)1007(L/R) | 7 Holes | 157*17*3.2 |
| 3511-(A/S)1009(L/R) | 9 Holes | 193*17*3.2 |
| 3511-(A/S)1011(L/R) | 11 Holes | 229*17*3.2 |
Usage scenario:
The plate should extend distally enough to engage all articular
fracture fragments and proximally enough so that three cortical
screws engage both cortices of the proximal (shaft) fragment.
Select a plate long enough so that the resulting construct respects
the principle of balanced fixation. This includes considerations of
screw type, screw density and direction, and plate working length.
Use malleable templates to facilitate contouring.
Contour the plate with bending pliers and/or a bending press to fit
the distal humerus anatomy.
Place a medial plate on the medial supracondylar ridge and usually
slightly posteriorly on top of the soft tissues.
Place a lateral plate directly lateral and usually slightly
posteriorly on top of the soft tissues.
Place a dorsolateral plate posteriorly on the lateral column on top
of the soft tissues.
Compression plating (medial and lateral plating):
When there is bone contact between the articular and proximal
fragments and the fracture is stable after reduction, apply
compression, one column at a time:
- Insert the distal screws in the articular block. Use multiple long
screws that engage in the far fragment.
- Compress with pointed reduction forceps and an eccentrically placed
bicortical load screw in the hole proximal to the fracture line.
