It was the work of Belgian surgeon Robert Danis, MD, who helped popularize classic plate and screw structures in the late 19th century. The coapteur, a compression plate that Danis developed, helped stabilize diaphyseal fractures and allowed them to heal without callus production.
Atraumatic surgical approach, anatomic reduction, reliable fixation, and pain-free immobilization following surgery are the four fundamental principles of fracture therapy that they articulated in their work.
Surgeons’ knowledge of plate and screw constructions’ usefulness has led to their evolution in use over the last many decades. Joint arthrodesis and other reconstructive osseous procedures are two further potential applications for these devices in surgical fracture repair. The locking plate construct is an advancement in these techniques, which has several uses in foot and ankle surgery.
What is Grip Locking Plates
One surgical tool for stabilizing fractures is the locking plate. The screw heads form a composite unit, or “fixed-angle device,” with the plate, setting it apart from ordinary plates. Placing standard screws into place presses the plate on the underlying bone.
Key Features of Traditional Grip Locking Plates
Cable management systems rely on traditional grip locking plates to keep cables organized and secure.
Common materials for these plates include steel or aluminum, and they are easily identifiable by their manual locking mechanisms and simple mechanical construction. Important features of conventional grip locking plates are as follows:
- Mechanism for Locking
The manual locking methods used by traditional grip locking plates often include fasteners such as screws or bolts.
The locking mechanism keeps cords in place to avoid being twisted or disordered.
- Composition of the Material
Steel or aluminum are two long-lasting and strong components that are typical for their construction.
Choosing a suitable material is crucial for ensuring the plates can handle many challenging situations.
- Design for a single purpose
Depending on the application, traditional grip locking plates might conform to industry standards or be custom-made for cable management.
Their features are usually fine-tuned to match certain use cases, which makes them industry-specific.
- Save Money
The affordability is one of the benefits of the conventional grip locking plates.
For some uses, when money is tight, they are a viable alternative to more current plates despite their lack of decorative features.
- Standard Sizes
Traditional plates may not be as adaptable in non-standard or customized installations due to their conformity to standard dimensions.
The needs of cable management systems are constantly changing, and the fixed sizes might need help to keep up.
- Fundamentals of Beauty
When it comes to traditional designs, practicality takes precedence over aesthetics.
These plates might look plain and functional without the fancy flourishes seen on more recent wire management systems.
- Manual Setup
Manual effort and equipment are usually required for the installation of classic grip locking plates.
In comparison to newer systems that use faster and more automated installation methods, the procedure could take more time.
Iterative improvements, such as corrosion resistance, allow modern versions to serve various purposes.
Benefits of Modern Grip Locking Plates
Contemporary grip locking plates enhance cable management systems with advantages like increased efficiency, adaptability, and security.
Among the many benefits of updating your cable management system to include grip locking plates are listed below:
- Increased Adaptability
Cables come in all shapes and sizes, and modern grip locking plates can handle them.
They offer versatility in cable management and are appropriate for varied setups due to their customizable characteristics.
- Elegant and Stylish Designs
Sleek and aesthetically pleasing grip locking plates are the product of an approach to design that places a premium on aesthetics.
Offices and public areas, where first impressions are important, are ideal settings for this aesthetic attention.
- Better durability
Grip locking plates are often long-lasting because of modern materials and production techniques.
A longer lifespan and less maintenance or replacement needs result from improved durability.
Locking plates have a number of other applications, such as revision surgery, tarsometatarsal arthrodesis, metatarsal fractures, tarsal arthrodesis, and intraoperative failure fixation.
Challenges and Solutions
When it comes to cable management, grip locking plates are a must-have staple in the dynamic industry.
Technological advancements and increased cable infrastructure demands from many industries are posing new challenges that require creative solutions, like,
| Challenges of Grip Locking Plates | Solutions |
| Limited flexibility for diverse cable sizes | Adjustable features for various cable sizes |
| Time-consuming installation processes | Advanced designs for quicker installations |
| Basic safety features | Integration of safety features like strain relief |
| Cost-effectiveness over time | Long-term cost savings through efficiency |
| Environmental limitations | Design optimization for environmental conditions |
| Fixed and standardized designs | Modular and customizable designs |
| Limited aesthetic considerations | Attention to aesthetics for a sleek appearance |
| Lack of compliance with standards | Adherence to industry standards and regulations |
How to Install Grip Locking Plates
Paying careful consideration during installation and performing routine maintenance is necessary for ensuring the safety, dependability, and lifespan of your cable infrastructure.
- The cable management system must be meticulously planned and designed prior to installation, keeping into account the sizes, locations, and directions of the cables as well as any unique environmental needs.
- For an accurate and effective fit, select grip locking plates that correspond to the sizes and types of cables you will be handling.
- Avoid strain on cables and possible damage by carefully fitting the plates. Install according to the provided templates or marks.
- Use the right tools to securely join the grip locking plates during installation so they don’t come loose or slide about.
- When installing cables, be sure to include strain relief elements to reduce pressure on them. This is particularly important in points where there is bound to be movement.
- Pick grip locking plates that can resist tough environmental conditions like high temperatures or moisture if that’s what the installation location is like.
- For proper installation, be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for torque values and any other details about the grip locking plates.
Grip Locking Plates Maintenance Tips
- Regularly examine for wear, damage, and misalignment. Quickly resolve concerns to avoid more damage.
- Clean the grip locking plates to ensure their proper operation. If required, lubricate moving components as recommended.
- To keep grip locking plates secure, check fastenings periodically. Tighten loose parts as needed.
- Please replace any grip locking plate parts that are worn, corroded, or damaged for maximum performance.
- Check grip locking plate-secured cables regularly. Look for signs of wear, damage, or potential stress points, and address any issues promptly.
- Stay current on manufacturer improvements and features. Using the newest grip locking plates may improve their performance and lifespan.
Wrapping It Up
Grip Locking plates provide the foot and ankle surgeon with a great degree of adaptability and dependability in their surgical procedures. Have a discussion with a representative of a company that carries them if you have not utilized that product before. If you experiment with locking plates on certain sawbones and become comfortable with them, you will eventually learn to enjoy the usage of these devices.
