VET-PLAN Ortho
‹ Knowledge base

Fracture planning

‹ Knowledge base

Fracture planning

There isn’t a dedicated “fracture mode” — fracture planning combines tools you already use: measurement, reposition, and templates. This article walks through how they fit together.

Before you start

  • Calibrate the radiograph (see Calibrating radiographs).
  • Open both AP and ML views side-by-side if you have them. They’re separate radiographs in the same case and can both be displayed at once.

Workflow

1. Assess the fracture

Use Measure to record:

  • Fragment lengths
  • Bone diameter at intact regions (helps with plate selection)
  • Any displacement or overlap

Measurements stay on the radiograph for reference and are visible to anyone you share the case with.

2. Plan the reduction

Switch to Reposition. This lets you virtually move fragments back toward anatomical alignment.

  • Select the fragment to reposition.
  • Drag to translate, use rotation handles to rotate.
  • Multiple fragments can be repositioned independently.

The reposition tool is a planning aid. Actual reduction depends on the soft-tissue envelope, vascular anatomy, and intraoperative findings that aren’t visible on a planning radiograph — don’t over-trust the virtual alignment.

3. Select and place a plate

From the Templates tab, browse for the plate system you intend to use. Knight Benedikt LCP and similar systems are common for fracture repair.

Factors worth considering when choosing:

  • Working length above and below the fracture (intact bone for screw purchase)
  • Plate thickness relative to bone diameter
  • Screw count and spacing
  • Plate contour relative to the bone surface

The sister-variant swap lets you compare different hole counts and sizes after initial placement without re-aiming.

4. Plan screw positions

The placed plate’s overlay shows screw hole locations. Verify they avoid:

  • The fracture line itself
  • Intra-articular space
  • Major vascular structures

The overlay is geometric — it shows where screws would land but doesn’t know about anatomy. Always cross-reference against the patient’s specific imaging.

5. Save and share

Cases auto-save. Share with your surgical team via referral link if needed. See Sharing and referrals.

What the app does and doesn’t do

  • It does show implant footprints accurately, measure distances precisely, and let you experiment with multiple sizes before committing to one.
  • It doesn’t assess fracture stability, predict healing, optimise screw trajectories in 3D, or substitute for surgical experience.

Tips

  • For complex fractures, place the plate on the AP view first, then switch the active radiograph to ML and verify the plate sits correctly there too.
  • Use the Show measurements toggle in the top bar to declutter when reviewing implant placement.
  • If you’re considering multiple plates, place all of them — you can hide individual radiographs via the eye icon on each view tab and compare side by side.