Treatment of fractures of the articular process by functional stable osteosynthesis using miniaturized dynamic compression plates.

The application of miniplates in fractures of the base of the articular process, developed by Schilli for orbital stabilization of malar bone impression fractures, is reported. The ends of the fragments after open reposition and reduction of the proximal fragment could be fixed durably by functional stable compression osteosynthesis in 35 patients with fractures and luxation or dislocation. In spite of the technical difficulties in performing this operative method the procedure should find a large application because of the optimum anatomic and functional results.