Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The unique design of nail hole and screw of locking plate makes it possible to provide different fixation mechanisms in fracture fixation, which can provide diverse biological environments for bone healing, thus, lead to various healing patterns.  
OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze complications of locking plate treatment for fractures in 25 cases. 
METHODS: The physical examination results, including injury mechanisms, whether multiple injuries, selection of internal fixation, operation principles, postoperative loading time, and X-ray films recheck, were analyzed subsequently. The numbers and reasons for internal fixation failure, bone nonunion or delayed union were investigated. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Among the 8 cases of internal fixation collapse, 4 were caused by operation lapses, 1 was due to wrong selection of the internal fixation tool, 1 case took place by weight bearing too early, 2 cases were caused by postoperative infections; Among 11 cases of nonunion or delayed union, 6 were caused by severe primary injuries, and 5 by unsuccessful reduction. 2 cases of pain stemmed from hypodermal projection of proximal tibia LISS plate, 1 from postoperative infection. 1 case of long term to be exposed of plate end due to improper location of the plate during the operation was also involved. Essentially, locking plate just is a kind of internal fixation plate. Either the compression plate or the bridging plate, or the combination of the two could be applied in locking plate fixation. Through our study, we found that the pathway leading to the success was built upon an accurate cognition and skillful mastery of AO internal fixation technology, as well as the correct choice of the tool combined with the fine reduction and micro-damage operation.