A radiological and histological analysis of fracture healing using prebending of compression plates.

The use of an exactly contoured compression plate to the surface of a bone will lead to asymmetrical loading of that fracture line with possible gapping of bone opposite the plate. The stability of fixation can be increased through the use of compression combined with prebending. The present study in 19 sheep demonstrates the biological effects of 3 modes of plating fixation: (1) no compression; (2) compression; and (3) compression after prebending using 2 types of compression plates with different stiffness evaluated radiographically and histologically. Compression together with prebending, especially when using plates of adequate stiffness, can prevent bone resorption at the fragment surfaces even under immediate weight-bearing conditions in the sheep tibia. Prevention of interfragmentary bone resorption lowers the risk of non-union and/or implant failure secondary to motion at the fracture site.