DLS Dynamic Locking Screw: Boosting biological bone healing

 

The DLS is a new generation of locking screws that allows the surgeon to control the rigidity of plating constructs. This expands clinical options and raises the expectation of enhanced healing in cases where bridging is the chosen method of fracture treatment.

 

 

Pin-sleeve design

 

The DLS system builds on the proven advantages of standard locking screws by eliminating tension on the bone and compression between plate and bone, while simultaneously retaining circulation and protecting periosteum from potential damage. The DLS pin-sleeve design is a technical breakthrough that combines locking technology with dynamic motion ― the threaded sleeve anchors the DLS in the bone, while the pin locks the DLS with its standardized threaded head into Synthes locking plates. The play between the sleeve and the pin determines the amount of motion induced in the fracture gap; a particularly beneficial feature when bridging is the chosen method of fracture treatment.

 

 

What if bridging a fracture could be more dynamic?

 

Fracture bridging is a treatment method typically used in metaphyseal and diaphyseal shaft fractures of long bones. DLS can improve upon problems inherent in rigid fixation by reducing construct stiffness, providing evenly distributed load sharing among all screws and allowing the surgeon to modulate the rigidity of the locked plate construct for better load distribution. Despite the additional flexibility offered by its breakthrough design, the strength of the plate-screw construct is fully maintained with DLS.

 

Another clinical problem often faced in rigid fixation of fractures in long bones is minimal motion at the near cortex and therefore asymmetric callus formation. Through controlled multidirectional motion on the plate-side of the locking construct, the DLS system delivers nearly parallel fracture site motion and therefore greater potential for formation of circumferential callus of higher mechanical strength. This boost in biological bone healing offers a faster, more stable healing process when compared with highly rigid fixation.

 

 

Material matters

 

The new material of the DLS system also brings invaluable benefits. Cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) ensures the mechanical stability of DLS, while encouraging less ingrowth and facilitating screw removal – similar to stainless steel screws. DLS is fully compatible with all Synthes’ titanium and stainless steel locking plates, which enables the system to build on proven and well established surgical techniques.

 

 

Evolution in locking plate technology

 

The DLS system's innovative design and flexibility is an important next step in the evolution of locking plate technology. With DLS, Synthes builds on their reputation of highly-valued clinical solutions by offering surgeons more choice through controlling construct rigidity while maintaining structural strength in fracture bridging.

Indications

 

Synthes Dynamic Locking Screws (DLS) in combination with Synthes Locking Compression Plates (LCP) are intended for the fixation of metaphyseal and diaphyseal shaft fractures of long bones (e.g. humerus, femur and tibia).