Principles and clinical application of the locking compression plate (LCP)

The principle of the locking compression plate (LCP) is represented by the combination of two completely different anchorage technologies and two opposed principles of osteosynthesis in one implant it combines the principles of conventional plate osteosynthesis for direct anatomical reduction with those of bridging plate osteosynthesis. Since the LCP can be used as a conventional plate using only dynamic compression, as a pure internal fixator using locking head screws, or as both combined, it provides the surgeon with multiple variations. Nevertheless, these new possibilities mean that preoperative planning and an understanding of the different biomechanical principles of osteosynthesis are essential if good clinical outcomes are to be achieved and maximum benefit is to be attained from the options offered by the LCP system. The current article provides biomechanical background to and guidelines for the use of LC plates in the operative treatment of fractures and also reports experimental and clinical results obtained with LCP.