THE EVOLUTION OF MODERN PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS

Plate osteosynthesis is still recognized as the treatment of choice fo r most articular fractures, many metaphyseal fractures, and certain di aphyseal fractures such as in the forearm. Since the 1960s, both the t echniques and implants used for internal fixation with plates have evo lved to provide for improved healing. Most recently, plating methods h ave focused on the principles of 'biologcal fixation'. These methods a ttempt to preserve the blood supply to improve the rate of fracture he aling, decrease the need for bone grafting, and decrease the incidence of infection and re-fracture. The purpose of this article is to provi de a brief overview of the history of plate osteosynthesis as it relat es to the development of the latest minimally invasive surgical techni ques.