Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. Locking plates have threaded holes that lock screws at a fixed angle to create angular stability, which the site FAQ notes is particularly relevant for osteoporotic bone, whereas non-locking plates rely on friction between the plate and bone. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Fracture Fixation and Joint Reconstruction
Joint reconstruction encompasses hip and knee prostheses and arthroscopy systems, extending the portfolio beyond acute fracture care into reconstructive surgery. Implant material choice, commonly medical-grade titanium alloys or stainless steel, influences strength, imaging behavior, and biocompatibility, and is considered alongside the fracture pattern. Internal fixation includes intramedullary nails placed within the medullary canal of long bones, as well as plates and screws applied to the bone surface, while external fixators stabilize from outside the limb.
Can you have an MRI with an intramedullary nail?
Modern titanium orthopedic implants are commonly labeled as MR Conditional, meaning MRI may be performed under the specified conditions stated in the device documentation. Titanium generally produces fewer imaging artifacts than some other metals, which can aid image quality. Patients should always inform imaging staff about any implant so appropriate protocols are followed. The specific MRI conditions for a given CytroFIX implant are provided in its IFU and confirmed by the care team.
What This Means in Practice
Manufacturer statements about the CytroFIX range, including the 35+ implant variants figure, reflect the company's product information rather than guaranteed clinical outcomes. All INVAMED orthopedic implants are intended for use by trained surgeons and in accordance with the IFU and applicable regulatory approvals. Implant material such as Ti-6Al-4V titanium affects strength, imaging behavior, and biocompatibility, and is weighed alongside the fracture.
Key Considerations
- Bone quality, including osteoporosis, is a key factor in favoring fixed-angle locking constructs where screw purchase may be reduced.
- Nail diameter and length, plate contour, and screw configuration are selected to match the individual anatomy.
- All INVAMED orthopedic implants are intended for use by trained surgeons and in accordance with the IFU and applicable regulatory approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diameters do the femoral nails come in?
According to invamed.com content surfaced via the search index, CytroFIX intramedullary nails cover femoral fractures in the 9 to 13 mm diameter range, along with tibial and humeral options.
Who decides which implant is used?
A qualified orthopedic surgeon selects the implant based on the fracture, bone quality, and patient factors; this article is educational and not a treatment recommendation.
How many implant variants does the CytroFIX system include?
Per invamed.com content surfaced via the search index, the CytroFIX system includes 35+ orthopedic implant variants made from Ti-6Al-4V titanium, covering femoral, tibial, and humeral fractures.
About INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Clinical and Technical Context
Nail diameter, length, and locking configuration are selected by the surgeon based on the fracture and the patient's anatomy. Fracture location and pattern strongly influence the choice among intramedullary nailing, plating, and screw fixation. INVAMED offers CytroFIX Cannulated Screws and CytroFIX 2.0 Cortical Screws, including 2.0 mm cortical and locking cortical variants available in variable-angle, fixed-angle, spherical, and dynamic versions. Post-operative weight-bearing status and progression are determined by the surgeon according to the fracture and fixation achieved. Orthopedic trauma solutions address the fixation of fractures and the reconstruction of joints, using implants intended to stabilize bone so that healing can occur in a corrected position. Nail diameter and length, plate contour, and screw configuration are selected to match the individual anatomy. The lengthening protocol, rate, and endpoint are determined by the treating surgeon for each patient. Joint reconstruction encompasses hip and knee prostheses and arthroscopy systems, extending the portfolio beyond acute fracture care into reconstructive surgery.
Related on INVAMED
- Orthopedic & Trauma Solutions — product category
- Intramedullary nail or Locking plate? A Technical Comparison
- Titanium implants or Stainless steel implants? A Technical Comparison
- Understanding Cannulated and Cortical Screws
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.