Biomechanical considerations in fracture treatment.

Adherence to biomechanical principles provides a proven method for improving fracture treatment. Utilizing the mechanism of the fracture healing process, the application of biomechanical principles is advantageous in three ways: (1) by providing adequate stability, (2) by enforcing osteogenetic power, and (3) by preventing implant failure. The aim of fracture treatment is to let a bony fracture heal functionally as early as possible. Although the precise effect of biomechanics has not yet to be defined, biomechanical principles have shown both experimentally and clinically that they can indeed provide a valuable contribution. Whenever possible, biomechanical principles should be comprehensively applied during fracture treatment.