ALPS: Advanced Locking Plate System

“Biological internal fixation” involves the use of locked internal fixators, which have minimal implant-to-bone contact, long-span bridging and fewer screws for fixation.[1] The Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS)* is a biological internal fixation system that was designed from the beginning to protect the bone, provide stability and promote rapid healing.

The ALPS plating system builds on research and development work done on the PC-Fix (Point Contact Fixitor) in the 1980’s and 1990’s at the AO Research Institute, Davos, Switzerland. Numerous publications have documented the PC-Fix design and clinical results. Please see the Reports section for references. Currently an in vitro study comparing ALPS plates with other plates is ongoing at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Results will be referenced once the study is complete and published.

Increased resistance to infection and faster, more consistent healing are all but certain benefits to come from clinical applications. Versatility of the plates with bending in both planes, as well as their geometry optimized for strength and soft tissue cover, are also considered worthwhile improvements over state of the art in internal fracture fixation. By the end of 2009, the ALPS had been used in over 1,000 dogs and cats by more than 50 surgeons in Europe, the Americas, and Japan.

BIOLOGICAL BENEFITS:

• Reduced damage to vascular supply
• Increased resistance to infection
• Accelerated healing

TECHNICAL FEATURES:

• Titanium and titanium alloy for supreme biocompatibility
• Locking or regular screws in all holes
• Eliminated fretting
• Geometry optimized for strength
• Bending possible in both planes
• Sizing from cats to horses