[Experience with the locking compression plates (LCP) in the Hospital Susana López de Valencia--Popayán, Colombia]

The LCP (locking compression plate) system is a new type of extramedullary fixation for the management of fractures. A special design allows the surgeon to use it as a standard plate or as an internal fixator. The combined hole permits the use of standard screws, such as "locking" screws, that produce angular stability. We present the experience with this implant at Hospital Susana López de Valencia in Popayán, Colombia, from November 2003 to August 2005. The LCP system was used to treat different types of fractures, according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification. A total of 68 patients (54 males and 14 females) were enrolled in the study. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The results show that 63 fractures (93%) healed within the expected time frame. Complications occurred in 11 patients (16%), with the major ones being infection, loosening, implant rupture, and non-union. Some of them were associated with technical problems and non-observance of the internal fixation principles. In conclusion, the LCP system is an excellent alternative for osteosynthesis which provides new possibilities for the stabilization of simple and complex lesions. However, same as standard osteosynthesis, it is not free of complications.