Reduction plating for provisional fracture fixation

Obtaining and maintaining the reduction of high-energy, complex fractures involving the periarticular or shaft regions of the bone often is difficult with standard reduction clamps. We present and review a technique in which unicortical fracture fixation plates are applied at provisional states of reduction to maintain that reduction until definitive fixation can be applied. We have termed the technique "reduction plating," and modifications of this concept have proven useful in metadiaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures, periarticular fractures and acetabular fractures. This overarching concept and its modifications are described.