Plate preparation
1. Non-locking plates
Non-locking plates must be anatomically contoured to the surface of the bone.
If a dynamic compression or limited contact dynamic compression plate is used, it needs to be contoured accurately to the lateral surface of the bone.
2. Locking plates
Locking plates may need some contouring; they should not be more than 2 mm away from the surface of the bone.
3. Compression plates
Compression plates must be over bent to produce a 1-2 mm gap between the plate and the bone at the fracture sites. Over bending of the plate at the fracture lines ensures even compression across the fracture lines.
