Fracture fixation with plates and screws remains the most common orthopaedic procedure in Uganda. Whether treating a distal radius fracture from a boda-boda accident or a femoral shaft fracture from a farming injury, having the right plate and screw inventory is essential.
The essential inventory
Every orthopaedic department should maintain stock of small fragment plates and screws (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.7mm) for upper extremity and paediatric fractures, large fragment plates and screws (3.5mm, 4.5mm) for femoral and tibial shaft fractures, locking plate systems for peri-articular fractures, and reconstruction plates for pelvic and acetabular fractures.
Material selection
Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) plates offer superior biocompatibility and fatigue resistance compared to stainless steel (316L). For load-bearing applications in active patients, titanium is the preferred choice. Stainless steel provides a cost-effective alternative for non-load-bearing applications and resource-limited settings.
Locking vs. conventional
Locking plate technology has transformed fracture management, particularly for osteoporotic bone and peri-articular fractures. The locking screw interface creates a fixed-angle construct that does not rely on plate-to-bone friction, reducing the risk of implant failure in poor-quality bone.
Sourcing locally
Maintaining a comprehensive trauma plate and screw inventory locally in Uganda eliminates the surgical disruption of emergency orders from overseas. Suppliers who hold NDA-registered stock and maintain ISO 13485 quality systems provide the reliability that orthopaedic departments depend on.