Bone Holding Forceps: Designs, Reduction Technique and What to Check

What bone holding forceps do

In fracture surgery the surgeon must align fragments and keep them aligned while a plate, screws or a nail is applied. Bone holding forceps provide the temporary grip: sharp points or serrated jaws bite into the bone surface, and a ratchet locks the instrument closed, freeing the surgeon's hand.

Because they hold a load across a joint and often lever against a large muscle mass, these forceps are built heavier than general surgical clamps, with strong box joints and substantial jaws. They are used for long bones, the pelvis and the spine in some techniques.

Lane, Verbrugge, Lowman and reduction forceps designs

Lane bone holding forceps have two-pronged jaws with a ratchet and are a classic pattern for plate application and fragment holding. Verbrugge forceps are a heavy, self-centring design with a long handle that gives leverage to reduce displaced fractures. Lowman forceps have a different jaw geometry designed to hold plates or bone with a lighter touch.

Reduction forceps are a broader term for clamps used to pull fragments together. Point-to-point designs engage the bone with small prongs, while others have wider, serrated jaws that spread the force. Surgeons choose by bone, fragment size and fixation method; ask them which patterns they use before you finalise the list.

Surgeons also differ on the length of handle they prefer, so ask whether a long and a short version of each pattern are needed. A heavy forceps that is too short may not reach a deep fracture, while one that is too long can obstruct the field in a superficial wound.

• Lane: two-pronged jaws for plates and fragments
• Verbrugge: heavy design with leverage for reduction
• Lowman: lighter grip with different jaw geometry
• Point-to-point reduction forceps for small fragments

Orthopedic instruments bone holding forceps in the REDA range

REDA of Tuttlingen lists bone-cutting and bone-holding forceps in its orthopaedic instruments section, alongside Lambotte, Smith-Petersen and Hibbs osteotomes, bone curettes, Luer and Stille rongeurs, Hohmann bone levers and Cobb periosteal elevators. Ask for the exact pattern list when you specify a set, since catalogue names and the patterns surgeons use do not always match.

For related instruments see our guides to osteotomes, chisels and gouges, periosteal elevators and the broader orthopaedic instruments list.

Quality checks and care

On receipt, check that the points or serrations of both jaws meet and that the ratchet holds under load without slipping. The box joint should move freely, with no play. Because the instruments are used with force, look for solid construction and a hardened, corrosion-resistant finish.

Clean after use, paying attention to the jaw serrations where bone debris and tissue collect. Open the joint, brush and rinse, then sterilize by steam following ISO 17665 practice. Remove forceps from use if the points are dull or deformed.

Keep the forceps in a rigid tray position where the points cannot hit other items, because bent or dulled points slip on the bone and make reduction harder.

Planning and buying in the UAE

Trauma centres normally need several sizes and shapes per set, and spare units for busy lists. Confirm registration of the products with the relevant UAE authority before ordering.

Beckfinity's specialists can prepare a quotation for bone holding and reduction forceps and related orthopaedic instruments from the REDA catalogue.