Plate preparation

Nonlocking plates must be anatomically contoured to the surface of the bone.

If a dynamic compression plate or limited contact dynamic compression plate is used, it must be contoured accurately to the bone's corresponding surface.

Locking plates may need some contouring; they should not be more than 2 mm away from the surface of the bone.

The screws inserted should not be too long to avoid interference with the ulna.

Pearl: The screw length should be measured on the x-ray and with a depth gauge in surgery to ensure the screw is not engaging the ulna. Fluoroscopy can also be used to ensure proper screw length.

Locking plates may need some contouring; they should not be more than 2 mm away from the surface of the bone

Compression plates must be prestressed to produce a 1–2 mm gap between the plate and the bone over the fracture sites. Overbending the plate at the fracture site ensures even compression across the fracture line when the screws are tightened.

$Compression plates must be prestressed to produce a 1–2 mm gap between the plate and the bone over the fracture sites$

When using a compression plate, load is shared between the implant and the bone column. The main load is through the bone column.
When using a neutralization plate, the load is shared between the implants and the bone column.
When using a bridging plate, the load is entirely carried by the implant.