Cloverleaf Locking Plate with 3–14 Hole Metaphyseal Fixation Range

Cloverleaf Locking Plate, SKU PS-O-352, is an orthopedic implant plate manufactured in stainless steel and titanium options for stable fixation of metaphyseal and periarticular fracture patterns. The plate range includes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 hole configurations, with screw compatibility listed for Ø4.0mm, Ø3.5mm, Ø2.7mm, and Ø2.3mm systems and a screw length range of 15.2–39mm. The visible design includes a cloverleaf-shaped head, elongated shaft, multiple countersunk fixation holes, and an oblong slot for controlled positioning during plate application. It is used in metaphyseal fracture fixation, periarticular reconstruction, corrective osteotomy stabilization, distal tibial fixation, proximal humeral reconstruction, foot and ankle trauma plating, small-fragment orthopedic fixation, and veterinary fracture repair. Orthopedic trauma surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, podiatric surgeons, hand and foot specialists, veterinary orthopedic teams, hospitals, clinics, and distributors can place this implant within fixation inventories requiring CE, ISO 13485, and FDA-compliant procurement documentation.

Locking Plate Geometry and Fixed-Angle Support

The cloverleaf head is shaped to provide a broad metaphyseal fixation platform while the long shaft extends across the diaphyseal or transition zone for stable load distribution. Multiple head holes allow divergent screw placement across a short periarticular fragment, while the shaft openings provide sequential fixation along the supporting bone segment. The countersunk hole profile allows screw heads to sit flush with the plate surface, reducing prominence after final seating. In locking fixation, the screw head engages the plate hole to create a fixed-angle construct, which is useful when bone quality, comminution, or short-segment purchase limits reliance on plate-to-bone compression alone. The oblong slot supports early plate positioning, axial adjustment, and controlled provisional fixation before final screw placement. The straight shaft provides an alignment reference during contouring and reduction assessment. The cloverleaf geometry is selected when the surgeon requires multiple fixation points in a widened metaphyseal region while maintaining a narrow shaft extension for stable bridging or buttress support.

Metaphyseal Fracture Fixation Workflow

In operative workflow, Cloverleaf Locking Plate is introduced after exposure, fracture reduction, provisional fixation, and assessment of the metaphyseal fragment geometry. During distal tibial, proximal humeral, foot, ankle, and selected small-fragment procedures, the head is positioned over the widened periarticular segment while the shaft is aligned along the main bone axis. The oblong slot can be used first to hold the plate in a controlled position while fluoroscopy, reduction clamps, and temporary wires confirm alignment. Locking screws are then placed into the cloverleaf head to capture short fragments, metaphyseal bone, or comminuted segments that require angular stability. Shaft screws are inserted to secure the construct along the diaphyseal segment and maintain the planned relationship between articular and shaft components. In osteotomy correction, the implant helps maintain alignment after bone repositioning and before final closure. Veterinary orthopedic teams can use the same fixation principles for companion-animal fracture repair when plate shape, screw diameter, and bone size match the planned construct.

Hole Count and Screw Diameter Selection

The 3 and 4 hole plates are selected for compact metaphyseal fixation where the target fragment is short and surrounding soft-tissue clearance is limited. The 5 and 6 hole options support small-fragment trauma, foot and ankle fixation, and short osteotomy constructs requiring more shaft purchase. The 7 and 8 hole patterns provide added working length for periarticular fractures with moderate comminution or longer transition-zone support. The 9 and 10 hole configurations are used when the surgeon needs extended fixation along the shaft while maintaining the cloverleaf head over the metaphyseal region. The 11 and 12 hole plates support longer bridging constructs, segmental instability, and reconstructive fixation requiring distributed screw placement. The 13 and 14 hole options are selected for extended stabilization where greater span is required across fracture, osteotomy, or veterinary orthopedic repair sites. Ø4.0mm and Ø3.5mm screws support stronger bone purchase, while Ø2.7mm and Ø2.3mm screws are selected for smaller fragments, thinner cortices, and compact fixation zones.

Implant Material, Surface Finish, and Compliance

Stainless steel provides high rigidity and familiar handling for fracture fixation sets, while titanium offers a lower modulus profile and implant material selection for surgeons and procurement teams managing mixed plating systems. Both material options support orthopedic operating room workflows where plate contour, screw compatibility, and stable fixation are planned before implantation. The visible surface has a smooth machined implant finish with countersunk openings that support screw seating and intraoperative handling. For sterile use, the plate is managed through validated hospital implant processing, packaging, and sterilization protocols before implantation according to facility requirements. The implant is not reused after implantation, removal, contamination outside the sterile field, or failed sterile handling. CE marking, ISO 13485 manufacturing controls, and FDA procurement context support documentation for hospitals, clinics, distributors, and orthopedic supply teams. The product’s one-piece MOQ, OEM availability, one-year warranty framework, and return or replacement support help procurement departments manage replacement inventory, fixation set expansion, and distributor catalog planning.

How does Cloverleaf Locking Plate differ from a straight locking compression plate?
Cloverleaf Locking Plate has a widened multi-hole head designed for metaphyseal and periarticular fixation. A straight locking compression plate has a linear hole arrangement and is typically selected when the bone surface and fracture pattern follow a simpler shaft-based fixation line. The cloverleaf head allows multiple screws to be directed into a short or widened fragment while the shaft maintains alignment along the supporting bone segment. A straight plate provides more uniform fixation along the diaphysis but offers less head-area coverage for periarticular bone. Cloverleaf Locking Plate is therefore selected when the surgeon needs angular stability, broad head purchase, and shaft extension in the same construct. The clinically relevant difference is head geometry, screw distribution, and fixation strategy around metaphyseal bone.

Which hole count should be selected for fixation planning?
Cloverleaf Locking Plate is supplied in 3 through 14 hole configurations. Short 3 and 4 hole plates are used for compact metaphyseal fragments and limited-access fixation. Mid-range 5, 6, 7, and 8 hole options support foot, ankle, small-fragment trauma, and osteotomy constructs requiring additional shaft purchase. Longer 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 hole configurations are selected for extended bridging, longer fracture lines, segmental instability, and veterinary orthopedic repair sites requiring wider load distribution. Ø4.0mm and Ø3.5mm screws are selected when stronger cortical or cancellous purchase is required. Ø2.7mm and Ø2.3mm screws are selected for smaller fragments and compact fixation areas where plate size and bone stock guide screw choice.

How do CE, ISO 13485, and FDA details support procurement?
Cloverleaf Locking Plate is supplied with CE, ISO 13485, and FDA procurement context for orthopedic implant purchasing. CE marking supports conformity documentation for healthcare markets requiring European medical device references. ISO 13485 indicates manufacturing under a medical device quality management system with controlled production and traceability. FDA procurement context supports hospitals, clinics, and distributors serving United States orthopedic supply channels. These details assist tender submissions, vendor onboarding, operating room inventory approval, and distributor catalog documentation. The $17.60 price, one-piece MOQ, OEM availability, and one-year warranty framework support both replacement inventory and new fixation tray planning.

How are the locking holes and oblong slot used intraoperatively?
The oblong slot is commonly used early in placement to allow controlled plate positioning before final fixation. After provisional screw placement, the surgeon can assess alignment, plate location, reduction quality, and fluoroscopic position before filling the remaining holes. The locking holes accept compatible screws that engage the plate to create a fixed-angle construct. This screw-plate interface helps maintain stability in metaphyseal bone, comminuted fragments, and periarticular fixation zones. Cloverleaf Locking Plate uses the multi-hole head to distribute fixation points across the widened fragment while the shaft secures the construct along the main bone segment. Final tightening is performed only after screw trajectory, implant seating, and reduction have been checked.

What should hospitals and distributors consider before ordering this plate?
Hospitals should select Cloverleaf Locking Plate according to required hole count, material preference, screw diameter system, and procedure volume. Stainless steel and titanium options allow facilities to align implant selection with existing orthopedic inventory protocols. Sterile processing teams should manage unused plates according to validated implant handling, packaging, and sterilization workflows before surgery. Once implanted, the plate is treated as a single-use device and is not returned to reusable instrument circulation. Distributors can stock the 3–14 hole range to support orthopedic trauma, foot and ankle, reconstructive, and veterinary fixation demand. The one-piece MOQ, OEM availability, carton-box packing, warranty framework, and return or replacement service support practical procurement planning.