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Step locking Plate

Q&A

Q1: What is a Step Locking Plate used for?

A1: A Step Locking Plate is used for bone fusion or fixation in areas with step-shaped or offset anatomy, such as the foot, ankle, or hand. It stabilizes bones that have been cut or realigned with a step (stair-like) osteotomy.

Q2: Why is it called a “Step” plate?

A2: The plate has a stepped contour or offset design that fits anatomically along uneven bone surfaces, allowing the surgeon to maintain alignment and compression between bones at different levels.

Q3: In which surgeries is the Step Locking Plate commonly used?

A3: It is widely used in midfoot or hindfoot fusion, first metatarsal osteotomy, calcaneal osteotomy, or revision procedures requiring stable fixation across a stepped bone interface.

Q4: What is the main advantage of using a locking plate design?

A4: The locking plate provides angular stability, prevents screw loosening, and maintains rigid fixation even in osteoporotic bone, allowing early mobilization and faster healing.

Q5: What materials are Step Locking Plates made of?

A5: They are generally made from titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) or medical stainless steel, offering biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with medical imaging.

Q6: What types of screws are compatible with Step Locking Plates?

A6: The plate is designed for locking screws that thread into the plate for fixed-angle support, and may also accept non-locking or compression screws to achieve interfragmentary compression.

Q7: What are the clinical benefits of using a Step Locking Plate?

A7: It allows for precise anatomical reconstruction, stable fixation at multiple bone levels, and even load distribution, which enhances fusion rates and reduces the risk of hardware failure.

Q8: Is bone grafting required with Step Plates?

A8: Yes, in most fusion or osteotomy cases, the stepped gap or fusion site is filled with autograft, allograft, or synthetic bone substitute to promote bone healing and maintain alignment.

Q9: What complications can occur, and how does the Step Locking Plate help prevent them?

A9: Potential issues such as nonunion, hardware irritation, or loss of correction can occur. The plate’s locking mechanism and anatomical step shape help minimize these risks by maintaining secure, fixed alignment.

Q10: Can Step Locking Plates be used in revision or osteoporotic bone?

A10: Yes. The locking design provides strong fixation even in poor bone quality or previously operated sites, making it suitable for revision surgeries or elderly patients with fragile bone