Locking Proximal Humeral PHILOS Plates SS 316L

Locking Proximal Humeral PHILOS Plates SS 316L are orthopedic implants developed for the fixation of fractures involving the proximal humerus, the upper portion of the arm bone near the shoulder joint. These plates are designed to accommodate the anatomical features of the proximal humerus while providing multiple screw-placement options for fracture stabilization. Their locking-hole configuration allows compatible locking screws to engage with the plate, creating a fixed-angle construct intended to support fracture management.

Manufactured from stainless steel 316L, these plates are intended for orthopedic applications where appropriate implant strength, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with the selected fixation system are important considerations. The plate design and screw configuration should be selected according to the fracture pattern, bone quality, anatomical requirements, and the treating surgeon's clinical judgment.

Purpose and Orthopedic Applications

Proximal humerus fractures can involve the humeral head, surgical neck, and surrounding regions. Depending on the fracture pattern and degree of displacement, surgical treatment may require internal fixation to restore alignment and support bone healing.

Locking proximal humeral plates are designed for use in selected proximal humerus fractures where plate-and-screw fixation is indicated. Potential applications include certain two-part, three-part, and four-part fractures, depending on the patient's anatomy, fracture characteristics, and the implant's approved indications.

The plate provides a structure for securing bone fragments with compatible screws. Its locking mechanism helps maintain the relationship between the screws and plate, which can be beneficial when managing fractures in bone with limited screw-holding capacity. However, fixation outcomes depend on fracture reduction, implant positioning, bone quality, surgical technique, and postoperative management.

Anatomical Plate Design

PHILOS-style plates are designed around the anatomy of the proximal humerus. Their contoured profile is intended to accommodate the shape of the upper humerus while allowing the surgeon to position fixation screws in appropriate directions.

Multiple proximal locking holes can provide options for securing the humeral head, while additional holes along the shaft allow fixation to the humeral diaphysis. The specific number, orientation, and distribution of holes depend on the plate model.

Correct plate positioning is important to avoid interference with surrounding anatomical structures. Surgeons should follow the manufacturer's surgical technique and confirm the appropriate plate size and screw trajectories before implantation.

Locking Mechanism and Screw Compatibility

The locking holes are designed to accept compatible locking screws that engage with the threaded plate holes. This connection creates a fixed-angle relationship between the plate and screws, helping maintain the intended fixation geometry.

Depending on the specific design, a plate may also accommodate compatible conventional screws in designated holes. This capability must be confirmed through the manufacturer's documentation rather than assumed for every model.

Screw diameter, length, thread design, and head configuration must match the selected plate system. Components from different manufacturers should not be combined unless compatibility has been explicitly established.

SS 316L Stainless Steel Construction

The product title identifies the plates as being manufactured from 316L stainless steel. This low-carbon stainless steel grade is used in medical applications because of its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

For orthopedic implants, material quality and manufacturing standards are essential considerations. Buyers should verify the precise alloy specification, applicable implant standards, and available material certification with the manufacturer.

Stainless steel implants provide an established material option for fracture fixation. Their suitability depends on the intended application, implant design, patient-specific considerations, and the clinical requirements of the procedure.

Benefits for Orthopedic Implant Selection

Locking proximal humeral plates provide a dedicated fixation option for selected shoulder-region fractures. Their anatomical profile, multiple fixation points, and locking screw interfaces can help surgeons construct a fixation system suited to the fracture and available bone stock.

For hospitals, orthopedic departments, and medical distributors, these implants should be evaluated based on plate dimensions, left or right orientation, hole configuration, compatible screws, material certification, and regulatory documentation.

The correct implant must be selected by a qualified orthopedic surgeon. The plate's design does not guarantee a particular clinical outcome, and its suitability must be assessed for each individual case.

Handling, Sterilization, and Storage

These plates are orthopedic implants and must be handled according to the manufacturer's instructions. Confirm whether the product is supplied sterile or nonsterile before use. Sterile packaging should be inspected for damage or compromise, and implants with questionable packaging integrity should not be used.

If supplied nonsterile, the implant must undergo the validated cleaning and sterilization process specified by the manufacturer before implantation. Implant processing should follow applicable healthcare protocols and regulatory requirements.

Careful handling helps prevent surface damage and contamination. The plate should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and inspected before use. Implants removed from a patient should not be reused unless explicitly permitted by the manufacturer and applicable regulations.

Key Features

• Product Type: Locking proximal humeral orthopedic fixation plate.
• Plate Design: PHILOS-style configuration for proximal humerus fracture fixation.
• Material: SS 316L stainless steel, as specified in the product title.
• Anatomical Profile: Designed to accommodate the proximal humerus.
• Locking Holes: Accept compatible locking screws according to the plate specifications.
• Fixed-Angle Fixation: Locking screw interfaces help maintain the screw-to-plate relationship.
• Multiple Fixation Points: Proximal and shaft holes support planned screw placement.
• Orthopedic Applications: Intended for selected proximal humerus fractures.
• Implant Compatibility: Requires screws approved for the specific plate system.
• Material Verification: Confirm the exact alloy grade and certification with the manufacturer.
• Sterilization Requirements: Follow the manufacturer's validated processing instructions.
• Professional Use: Implant selection and placement must be performed by qualified orthopedic professionals.

Product Specifications Table

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are locking proximal humeral PHILOS plates used for?

Locking proximal humeral PHILOS plates are orthopedic implants designed to stabilize selected fractures of the proximal humerus near the shoulder joint. Their suitability depends on the fracture pattern, bone quality, and surgical treatment plan.

2. What material are SS 316L proximal humeral plates made from?

These plates are identified as being made from 316L stainless steel, a low-carbon stainless steel used in medical applications. The exact material specification should be confirmed through manufacturer documentation.

3. What does PHILOS mean in orthopedic fixation?

PHILOS stands for Proximal Humeral Internal Locking System. The term describes a locking plate system designed for internal fixation of selected proximal humerus fractures.

4. What is the advantage of a locking proximal humeral plate?

The locking screw mechanism creates a fixed-angle connection between compatible screws and the plate. Combined with an anatomical plate profile, this design provides fixation options for selected fractures of the proximal humerus.

5. Are proximal humeral PHILOS plates available in left and right versions?

Many proximal humeral plate systems offer left- and right-sided designs to accommodate anatomical differences. Availability for this specific product should be confirmed with the supplier.

6. Which screws are compatible with SS 316L PHILOS plates?

Only screws specified as compatible with the particular plate system should be used. Screw diameter, length, thread design, and locking-head configuration must match the manufacturer's requirements.

7. Are locking proximal humeral plates supplied sterile?

Sterility depends on the product's packaging and manufacturer specifications. Confirm whether the plate is supplied sterile or nonsterile and follow the applicable instructions before clinical use.

8. What should buyers check before purchasing proximal humeral locking plates?

Buyers should verify the stainless steel grade, plate orientation, dimensions, hole configuration, screw compatibility, regulatory documentation, packaging, and sterility status before ordering.

9. Can stainless steel proximal humeral plates be reused?

Orthopedic implants are generally intended for a single implantation episode. Implants removed from a patient should not be reused unless reuse is explicitly permitted by the manufacturer and applicable regulations.