Which type of plate is referred to as a locking compression plate?

The locking compression plate, commonly referred to as an LCP plate, is designed to provide a stable and effective fixation of bone fractures. This type of plate features specially designed holes that allow screws to lock into the plate itself, which enhances stability and allows for better load sharing between the plate and the bone.

The locking mechanism is beneficial in situations where traditional non-locking plates may not provide adequate stability, particularly in osteoporotic bone or in cases where angular stability is crucial. The locked screws form a rigid construct that minimizes the movement at the fracture site, fostering optimal healing conditions.

In contrast, a DCP plate, or dynamic compression plate, relies on the principle of compression through slotted holes and does not offer the same locking capabilities as the LCP. Non-locking plates, as their name suggests, do not have this locking feature, which can lead to instability under certain conditions. Although a general bone plate can refer to any plate used in fracture repair, the specificity of the locking mechanism in an LCP plate sets it apart, making it a key instrument in contemporary veterinary surgery for effective bone stabilization.