Orthopedic surgeries have come a long way with advanced implant technology and improved surgical techniques. Among the most trusted and widely used orthopedic implants, the One Third Tubular Plate stands out as a reliable solution for fracture fixation. It is a versatile, stable, and efficient implant designed to promote proper bone healing and restore the natural function of the limb after a fracture.
At AO Care, a leading orthopedic manufacturer in India, we take pride in offering high-quality orthopedic implants and instruments, including premium-grade One Third Tubular Plates that meet global medical standards. This article explains everything you need to know about these plates — their design, uses, benefits, manufacturing standards, and why surgeons around the world rely on them for successful fracture management.
What is a One Third Tubular Plate?
A One Third Tubular Plate is a type of orthopedic implant made primarily from high-grade stainless steel or titanium. It is used in the fixation of fractures, especially in small and long bones such as the clavicle, fibula, radius, and ulna.
The term “One Third Tubular” comes from the design of the plate — it is made from a one-third section of a tube, giving it a slightly curved shape that fits comfortably along the contour of the bone. This curvature allows the plate to sit flush against the bone surface, providing excellent stability and minimizing irritation to surrounding soft tissues.
These plates are known for their simplicity, effectiveness, and adaptability, making them one of the most commonly used orthopedic implants for small bone fractures.
Design and Structure of One Third Tubular Plate
The design of a One Third Tubular Plate plays a vital role in its performance. It is usually made from a segment of a cylindrical tube, creating a semi-curved plate that matches the natural anatomy of the bone. The curvature ensures that the plate conforms to the bone surface and distributes load evenly during healing.
Key Design Features:
- Material Options: Available in Stainless Steel 316L and Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) for superior strength and biocompatibility.
- Thickness: Generally thinner than standard plates, reducing bulkiness and soft tissue irritation.
- Hole Configuration: Contains uniformly spaced holes for cortical screws that help secure the plate to the bone.
- Contoured Shape: Follows the bone’s natural curvature, reducing the need for excessive bending during surgery.
- Length Variants: Comes in different hole configurations (4-hole, 6-hole, 8-hole, etc.) depending on the size and location of the fracture.
This simple yet effective design makes the One Third Tubular Plate an excellent choice for surgeons who require precision and adaptability in fracture fixation.
Applications of One Third Tubular Plate in Orthopedic Surgery
The One Third Tubular Plate is widely used in various orthopedic procedures. Its lightweight design and easy adaptability make it suitable for treating a range of fractures in both upper and lower limbs.
Common Applications:
- Fibular Fractures: Commonly used in lateral malleolus fractures (ankle fractures) for stabilizing the distal fibula.
- Forearm Fractures: Ideal for radius and ulna fractures, especially in cases where compression plating is required.
- Clavicle Fractures: Used in midshaft clavicle fractures where anatomical contouring is necessary.
- Metacarpal and Metatarsal Fractures: Suitable for smaller bones of the hand and foot due to its slender shape.
- Periprosthetic Fractures: Can also be used in certain cases where minimal invasive fixation is required around prosthetic implants.
Because of its adaptability, surgeons often refer to it as a “universal plate” for small bone fractures.
Advantages of Using One Third Tubular Plate
The One Third Tubular Plate offers several benefits to both surgeons and patients. It ensures proper fracture alignment, provides stability, and encourages faster recovery.
1. Anatomical Compatibility
The plate’s curved design naturally fits along the surface of the bone, ensuring minimal irritation to surrounding soft tissues. This anatomical fit reduces the risk of discomfort and post-surgical complications.
2. Excellent Stability
It provides rigid fixation when used with appropriate cortical screws, which helps maintain alignment during the bone healing process. The stability reduces the chances of malunion or non-union.
3. Lightweight and Low-Profile
The thin and low-profile structure of the One Third Tubular Plate makes it comfortable for patients, especially in areas where soft tissue coverage is limited, such as the ankle or wrist.
4. Versatility
These plates can be used for multiple types of fractures, both simple and complex, making them a versatile tool for orthopedic surgeons.
5. Easy Contouring
Surgeons can easily bend or contour the plate to match the exact shape of the bone, ensuring a perfect fit during surgical fixation.
6. Durable and Corrosion-Resistant
Made from medical-grade materials, the plates are resistant to corrosion, deformation, and fatigue, ensuring long-term durability inside the human body.
Materials Used in One Third Tubular Plates
At AO Care, we ensure that every One Third Tubular Plate is made from high-quality materials that comply with international standards like ISO, CE, and FDA. The two most commonly used materials are:
1. Stainless Steel (316L)
- Highly corrosion-resistant
- Cost-effective and strong
- Biocompatible and safe for long-term implantation
2. Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)
- Lightweight and biocompatible
- Provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Non-magnetic and compatible with MRI
- Reduces allergic reactions and promotes faster healing
These materials are carefully processed, polished, and tested to ensure each plate offers the best performance in surgical environments.
Surgical Procedure Using One Third Tubular Plate
The One Third Tubular Plate is typically used in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgeries. The goal of this procedure is to realign the fractured bone and secure it using plates and screws until complete healing occurs.
Step-by-Step Overview:
- Incision and Exposure:
The surgeon makes an incision over the fractured area to expose the bone. - Reduction of Fracture:
The broken bone fragments are aligned into their normal anatomical position. - Plate Placement:
The One Third Tubular Plate is positioned over the fracture site, contoured if necessary, and temporarily held in place with clamps. - Drilling and Screw Fixation:
Holes are drilled through the plate holes, and cortical screws are inserted to secure the plate firmly to the bone. - Closure:
The wound is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied. - Post-Operative Care:
Patients are guided through physiotherapy and recovery exercises to regain full function.
The plate remains in place until the bone fully heals, after which it may be removed or left in the body depending on the case.
Post-Operative Benefits and Recovery
Patients who undergo fixation using the One Third Tubular Plate typically experience quicker recovery and better mobility. Because the plate provides excellent fixation, it allows early mobilization of the affected limb, which helps in preventing stiffness and maintaining muscle strength.
Recovery Benefits Include:
- Faster healing process
- Reduced risk of re-fracture
- Minimal post-surgical pain and swelling
- Early return to daily activities
However, recovery time varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture, patient health, and adherence to physiotherapy protocols.
Quality Assurance and Manufacturing at AO Care
At AO Care, we are dedicated to manufacturing the highest quality One Third Tubular Plates that meet international orthopedic standards. Each product undergoes rigorous testing and quality control at every stage of production.
Our Quality Control Process Includes:
- Material testing for strength and biocompatibility
- Dimensional accuracy verification
- Polishing and surface finishing for smoothness
- Sterilization and packaging under controlled environments
- Compliance with ISO, CE, and WHO-GMP certifications
By combining advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship, we ensure that every One Third Tubular Plate from AO Care delivers superior performance, safety, and reliability.
Why Choose AO Care for One Third Tubular Plates?
AO Care has earned a trusted reputation as one of the leading orthopedic manufacturers in India, offering a comprehensive range of implants and instruments designed for precision and durability.
Key Reasons to Choose Us:
- High-Quality Materials: Only certified titanium and stainless steel are used.
- Precision Engineering: Manufactured using modern CNC machines and advanced technology.
- Global Standards: Conforms to ISO 13485, CE Mark, and WHO-GMP guidelines.
- Customization Options: Available in multiple hole configurations and sizes.
- Expert Support: Trusted by orthopedic surgeons and hospitals across India and abroad.
Our goal is to support surgeons with reliable orthopedic solutions that enhance patient outcomes and promote faster recovery.
Safety and Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility is crucial for any implant. The One Third Tubular Plate from AO Care is designed to be completely biocompatible, meaning it does not cause allergic or inflammatory reactions inside the body. The smooth surface finish minimizes tissue irritation, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout the healing period.
Each plate undergoes:
- Surface polishing and passivation
- Microbial sterilization tests
- Corrosion resistance testing
- Mechanical strength validation
These quality checks guarantee that our plates can withstand physiological loads while promoting healthy bone regeneration.
Global Demand for One Third Tubular Plates
The demand for One Third Tubular Plates is growing globally due to the rising number of trauma and accident cases. Orthopedic surgeons prefer this plate because of its versatility, affordability, and proven success rate.
Countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America are increasingly importing high-quality One Third Tubular Plates from India, especially from trusted manufacturers like AO Care, who deliver both quality and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
The One Third Tubular Plate is an essential implant in modern orthopedic surgery. Its unique design, strength, and anatomical compatibility make it a reliable choice for stabilizing fractures of small and long bones.
At AO Care, we are committed to providing world-class orthopedic solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Our One Third Tubular Plates are carefully engineered to ensure precise fixation, excellent stability, and faster healing — helping surgeons deliver better outcomes and patients return to normal life sooner.
Whether you are a healthcare professional, hospital, or distributor, choosing AO Care means choosing reliability, safety, and trust.