DVR Anatomic Plate Surgeon Testimonials - Biomet

JEROEN VAN HAECKE
AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
When I started in orthopaedics, the treatment of wrist fractures was limited with nothing
more than k-wires and cast, and I believed that all wrist fractures eventually healed well. As
I evolved in my training and developed a serious interest for hand surgery, wrist fractures
became one of my favourite topics.
Number of DVR ® Anatomic Plate cases
180
DVR user since
2005
Main benefits
Ease of use, quick surgery
Favourite features
Fixed angle k-wire holes
I saw that sometimes the more serious wrist fractures treated with a plate, screws and
sometimes bone grafts were recovering better than the simple fractures treated with
k-wires and cast. Also the mobility of the patient was better due to the better reduction
and direct mobilisation.
I experienced this same effect in every joint treated with a plate. This is when I started to
look for a good plating system specifically designed for the wrist.
Influenced by reading an article written by Orbay and Fernández reporting promising
results with the DVR ® Anatomic Plate, I started to use the system in 2005 and since then
I’ve placed over 180 DVR ® Anatomic Plates.
Palmar plating for wrist fractures has changed the total treatment plan. It started with an
indication setting for open reduction and internal fixation and it now includes osteoporotic
patients instead of just the high energy fractures.
The operative plan has also changed; we now use the palmar approach making an incision
over the course of the flexor carpi radialis and preserving the pronator quadrates. Holding
the reduction is a great deal easier than before, allowing me to concentrate more on the
fracture than on the fixation. By doing this my reduction becomes more anatomical.
Subchondral support pegs used in osteoporotic patients made wrist fracture treatment in
these patients easier, and now my results are better.
Early mobilisation allows my elderly patients to start postoperative rehabilitation earlier and
a faster return to normal activity allows them to remain independent.
The DVR ® Anatomic Plate has a great design, is simple to use and very effective. The plate
is a great help in reduction and a strong fixation tool. The surgeon still must have the
knowledge to use it, therefore education remains important.
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