[Metal plate osteosynthesis and wire osteosynthesis for the treatment of periorbital fractures in an experimental study].

With consideration of the special situation in periorbital fractures, the fundamental differences between wire and metal plast osteosynthesis was demonstrated on the basis of mathematical calculations, mechanical considerations and tension optical experiments. We further report on the different behaviour of both methods of osteosynthesis in tension experiments which demonstrate the distinct superiority of the metal plate.