Experience with the dynamic compression plate (DCP) in 418 recent fractures of the tibial shaft.

A consecutive series of 435 fresh fractures of the tibial shaft was internally fixed by the new dynamic compression plate (ASIF-DCP). All but 2 cases could be reviewed personally within 1-2 years after operation, while 15 patients had died. The functional results and postoperative complications are reported separately for the 334 closed and 101 open fractures. In spite of a higher rate of complication in the open fractures, their functional results were about as good as in the closed cases. In our experience the new dynamic compression plate proved to be very satisfactory for internal fixation of fractures of the tibia.