Fracture fixation with screws and bone plates

The treatment goal of fracture fixation is to restore the patient to normal function as quickly as possible. Fracture fixation can be accomplished by various means; fixation with screws and bone plates is not only a popular but a successful technique. In this article, we provide concepts that a surgeon must understand for successful screw and bone plate use. In addition, case examples demonstrating the application of many of the concepts are included. The mechanical environment at the fracture site, which has been described in detail in previous articles in this issue, is of paramount importance when considering different repair methods. The use of screws and bone plates is ideal in many fractures and perhaps contraindicated in others. When discussing the use of screws and plates, we frequently elude to the mechanical and biological environment of the fracture.