Radiological Landmarks for the Assessment of the Alignment in the Use of the LCP-PLT (Locking Compression Plate-Proximal Lateral Tibia): An Anatomical and Radiological Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the conformity of the anatomically pre-shaped LCP-PT to the tibias of the Korean adult and to identify radiological guidelines to assist intraoperative assessment of correct alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 adult femur obtained from the Korean adult cadaver were used. A nine or eleven-hole LCP-DF was applied to the lateral surface of the tibia according to the contour. Then the distance from the inner surface of the plate to the lateral condyle was measured at the sites of mismatch. The angle between the most proximal screw and the articular surface was measured with the image intensifier. RESULTS: The LCP-PT showed good conformity to the tibia in general. The distance from the inner surface of the plate to the lateral condyle was 3.5mm in average (range 0~9). The angle between the most proximal locking screw and the joint line was 1.16 degrees in average (range 0~7 degree). CONCLUSION: The LCP-PT showed good conformity to the tibia in general. Malposition of the most proximal screw which is not paralleling to the joint line may herald a coronal plane malalignment.

Conformity of the LCP-DF (Locking Compression Plate-Distal Femur) in Korean Adult Femur: A Cadaver Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the conformity of the anatomically pre-shaped LCP-DF to the femurs of the Korean adult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 67 adult femur obtained from the Korean adult cadaver were used. An eleven-hole LCP-DF was applied to the lateral surface of the distal femur according to the contour. Then the distance from the inner surface of the plate to the cortex was measured at the sites of mismatch. The angle between the distal most screw and the articular surface was measured. RESULTS: Mismatch was found at the level of proximal 4~5 holes of the plate with an average distance of 9.58 mm (0~18) at the tip of the plate. Otherwise, the overall conformity of the LCP-DF was excellent. The distal most screws are positioned such that the joint line is 3 degrees of valgus to this screw in average (range 0~18). CONCLUSION: It may be necessary to consider to bend the plate in case of mismatch at the tip especially for the plate longer than 9-hole plate. The angular relation between the distal most screw and the joint line can assist the judgement for the coronal plane alignment.