The Sidewinder is one of the many unique components the complete TriMed Ankle System. Included in the system are standard plates, cannulated screws, syndosmosis screws, medial malleolar sled and hook plate
A unique plate designed for short oblique fibula fractures (Weber B) the most common type of fracture pattern. The design facilitates unique Rotational Plating™ fracture reduction
No need for an interfragmentary screw
90°/90° fixation with a single plate. Like a standard lateral plate, the Sidewinder has fixation in the coronal plane (from the screws going lateral to medial)Compression between the anterior and posterior tabs creates secondary fixation in the transverse planeUnlike two plates, biplanar fixation with the Sidewinder is a single structural composite
Axial loading of the Sidewinder actually creates compression at the fracture — dynamic compressive loading. The tabs prevent the fracture from shortening or sliding apart. Unlike anti-glide plates, the very limited footprint of the tabs are less likely to impinge on the peroneal tendons. Insertion of the screws is directly lateral, and is much simpler than the posterior screw fixation needed with an antiglide plate.
Unlike interfragmentary screws, the anterior posterior compression doesn’t weaken the bone with large holes for lag screws. The tabs eliminate the difficulty in exposure with trying to orient a drill hole from front to back (or back to front). Unlike interfragmentary screws, there is much less fear of breaking through the oblique end of the fragment when applying AP compression
Mini anti-glide plate
Plate may assist in the reduction of the fracture
Fixation is biplanar and thus Improves stability resulting in early rehabilitation
