[Claw plates--new implants for para-articular osteosynthesis]

The claw plate types used by us are manufactured according to the same principle. These plates are mostly applied in the treatment of multiple fragment fractures and in the fixation of osteotomies. A strong fixation of the plate, also to little fragments close to the joint, is achieved by the claws and one screw. The plates may be used for neutralization or as a support, distance piece, or compression plate. The shape of the variable plate as well as the claws can be formed. The masses of the maximum and minimum plate are adapted to the different sizes of bones. No special instrument is needed to insert the claw plate, and the region around the joint can be laid open in a sparing manner. Regarding the experience accumulated during ten years and the good results obtained, we are of the opinion that claw plates can be used successfully to complete the methods applied hitherto in the treatment of joint-near fractures of all long bones except the femur.