How Variable Angle Locking Is Transforming Fracture Treatment?

 

Fixing fractures has always balanced two essential goals: achieving stable fixation while allowing natural bone healing. Over the past decade, variable angle locking (VAL) technology has significantly changed how orthopedic surgeons meet these objectives. Unlike traditional fixed-angle plates, VAL plates allow screws to be locked within a controlled range—usually 15–30 degrees—giving surgeons the flexibility to aim screws toward the strongest bone without sacrificing rigid stability. This adaptability is especially valuable in complex periarticular fractures around the wrist, knee, or ankle, where limited space and delicate anatomy make precision critical. Surgeons can safely avoid joint surfaces, secure small or fragmented bone pieces, and protect surrounding soft tissues more effectively. VAL systems also perform exceptionally well in osteoporotic bone by directing screws into denser regions, reducing the risk of loosening and fixation failure. Additionally, these plates support minimally invasive techniques, leading to smaller incisions, shorter operative times, and faster recovery. By combining strength with surgical freedom, variable angle locking plates have become a cornerstone of modern trauma care, delivering reliable fixation, smoother healing, and improved long-term patient outcomes.