← Product Code [HWC](/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/HWC) · K961413

# SYNTHES ANATOMICAL LOCKING PLATE SYSTEM (K961413)

_Synthes (Usa) · HWC · Aug 7, 1996 · Orthopedic · SESE_

**Canonical URL:** https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/HWC/K961413

## Device Facts

- **Applicant:** Synthes (Usa)
- **Product Code:** [HWC](/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/HWC.md)
- **Decision Date:** Aug 7, 1996
- **Decision:** SESE
- **Submission Type:** Traditional
- **Regulation:** 21 CFR 888.3040
- **Device Class:** Class 2
- **Review Panel:** Orthopedic
- **Attributes:** Therapeutic

## Intended Use

Synthes ALPS is a plate and screw system intended to treat fractures of various long bones, including the radius, ulna, humerus, tibia, fibula and femur.

## Device Story

Synthes Anatomical Locking Plate System (ALPS) comprises plates and screws for long bone fracture fixation; radius, ulna, humerus, tibia, fibula, femur. Locking mechanism secures screw to plate via tapered threads; enables unicortical or bicortical fixation. Plates feature anatomically contoured heads; screws 3-5mm diameter. Surgical procedure: percutaneous insertion via stab incision; fracture reduction; temporary fixation; insertion guide attachment; plate manipulation via handle; insertion sleeve/trocar used for screw placement. Implant stability maintained without requiring plate-to-bone contact. Used in clinical/OR settings by orthopedic surgeons. Benefits: stable fixation, minimally invasive percutaneous approach.

## Clinical Evidence

Bench testing only. No clinical data provided.

## Technological Characteristics

Plate and screw system; locking mechanism via tapered screw head threads. Materials: not specified. Sterilization: gamma radiation (sterile) or moist heat (non-sterile). Form factor: anatomically contoured plates, 3-5mm diameter screws.

## Regulatory Identification

A smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener is a device intended to be implanted that consists of a stiff wire segment or rod made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum and stainless steel, and that may be smooth on the outside, fully or partially threaded, straight or U-shaped; and may be either blunt pointed, sharp pointed, or have a formed, slotted head on the end. It may be used for fixation of bone fractures, for bone reconstructions, as a guide pin for insertion of other implants, or it may be implanted through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.

## Predicate Devices

- Synthes PC-Fix
- Condylar Plate 95°
- Condylar Buttress Plate
- 4.5 mm Cortex Screws
- 6.5 mm Cancellous Screws

## Submission Summary (Full Text)

> This content was OCRed from public FDA records by [Innolitics](https://innolitics.com). If you use, quote, summarize, crawl, or train on this content, cite Innolitics at https://innolitics.com.
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AUG. -02' 96 (FRI) 09:44 SYNTHES
TEL: 16102512848
P. 004

AUG - 7 1996

# K961413

## Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information

Synthes (USA)  (610) 647-9700
1690 Russell Road  Contact: Angela Silvestri
Paoli, PA 19301  July 1996

Device: Synthes Anatomical Locking Plate System (ALPS) compared to Synthes PC-Fix, Condylar Plate 95°, Condylar Buttress Plate, 4.5 mm Cortex Screws, and 6.5 mm Cancellous Screws

Synthes ALPS is a plate and screw system intended to treat fractures of various long bones, including the radius, ulna, humerus, tibia, fibula and femur. The ALPS utilizes a locking feature that secures the screw to the plate, enabling stable fixation to be achieved via unicortical or bicortical fixation. The plates are available with and without an anatomically contoured head, in a variety of sizes. The head of the screw has a round cross section with a conical underside to fit into the plate. The underside has a tapered thread to match the design of the holes in the plate. The screws are available in thread diameters from 3 mm to 5 mm, in a variety of lengths.

It is anticipated that the ALPS will be used as follows:

a) The plate is percutaneously inserted through a stab incision at either the distal or proximal end of the bone.
b) The fracture is reduced and temporary fixation may be applied.
c) The Insertion Guide is first attached to a screw hole at the head of the plate (the last screw hole on either end of the shaft plate) using the Connecting Screw.
d) The distal end of the plate is then inserted into the incision first. This end is tapered and rounded to gently lift and separate tissue.
e) The plate is manipulated using the insertion handle.
f) Once the plate is in position the ALPS screw can be inserted.
g) The Insertion Sleeve and Trocar are placed through one of the aiming holes. The trocar perforates the skin and facilitates the sleeve positioning to the corresponding screw hole in the plate. The trocar is removed from the sleeve.
h) The screwdriver, with a screw attached, is then inserted through the sleeve.
i) The screw is inserted into the bone securing the plate.
j) After tightening the screw to the plate, the function of the implant and fixation will not be jeopardized if the plate is not flush against the bone.
k) After the screws are in place the Insertion Guide is removed.
l) An additional screw can be placed in the screw hole that secured the Insertion Guide if necessary.

Synthes Anatomical Locking Plate System will be provided both sterile and non-sterile. The sterile device will be sterilized by gamma radiation. Of course, non sterile devices must be sterilized prior to use; moist heat sterilization is recommended.

Based on the results of confidential testing, it is our opinion that the ALPS is substantially equivalent to the devices with which it is being compared.

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**Source:** [https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/HWC/K961413](https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/HWC/K961413)

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