[Biological internal fixation -- guidelines for the rehabilitation]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Bone possesses a unique capacity for true repair, regenerating its original structure without scarring.
• Recent advancements emphasize preserving bone fragment viability for optimal fracture healing.
• Biological fracture management aims to create ideal conditions for natural bone repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and explain the principles of biological fracture management.
• To highlight the advantages of biological plating techniques, including the Locking Compression Plate (LCP).
• To discuss the implications for surgical techniques, implant design, and patient rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Indirect reduction techniques to preserve fragment viability.
• Utilizing long implants with improved leverage, such as bridging plates and intramedullary nails.
• Employing new implant generations like the Locking Compression Plate (LCP) for angular stability and interlocking fixation.

Main Results:

• Biological fixation reduces stress on screws and plates by enabling load transfer through interlocking.
• The LCP functions as an internal fixator, minimizing biological interference and promoting healing.
• Viable bone fragments and callus formation protect implants from fatigue failure.

Conclusions:

• Biological fracture management, particularly with LCPs, offers a less invasive approach to fracture repair.
• Careful patient rehabilitation is crucial due to the implant's lower initial load capacity.
• Close monitoring by general practitioners is essential to prevent complications during the healing process.