What Is a Locking Compression Plate?

 

A locking compression plate (LCP) is a bone plate with a unique dual-function hole design. Each combi-hole contains two overlapping openings: a conventional compression slot (for dynamic compression using standard cortical screws) and a threaded conical locking hole (for locking screws that engage the plate).

 

This dual-function capability means the surgeon can use the same plate to:

 

Apply interfragmentary compression with standard screws (acting like a traditional dynamic compression plate, DCP).

Create a fixed-angle, locked construct (acting like a pure locking plate).

Combine both in a single plate — compression screws near the fracture, locking screws at the ends.

This versatility, combined with the plate's pre-contoured anatomic shapes, has made the LCP the workhorse implant for modern trauma surgery.

 

 

Biomechanics: Why Locking Works

 

A conventional plate transfers load between bone fragments via friction at the bone-plate interface: the screw head pulls the plate against the bone, and friction holds the construct. This means stability depends on:

 

Bone quality (cortical thickness, density)

Plate-bone contact area

Screw torque and axial preload

In osteoporotic bone, screws can toggle and pull out — a phenomenon called screw cut-out — leading to fixation failure.

 

A locking screw threads into the plate, eliminating the need for bone-plate friction. Load is transferred through the screw-plate junction as a single rigid beam. Stability is independent of bone quality, which is why locking plates are preferred for osteoporotic and metaphyseal fractures.

 

 

Clinical Indications

 

Indication Why LCP

Periarticular fractures (distal radius, distal femur, proximal tibia, proximal humerus, calcaneus) Locked cluster of screws supports metaphyseal fragments; anatomic plates preserve joint alignment

Osteoporotic fractures Fixed-angle construct resists screw pull-out in weak cancellous bone

Metaphyseal comminution Bridge plating avoids devascularization of fragments

Minimally invasive plating (MIPO) Sub-muscular insertion; locking preserves alignment without bone contact

Periprosthetic fractures Locking screws can angle around existing implants

Revision of failed conventional fixation Locked construct provides secondary stability

 

 

Technical Specifications

 

Parameter AOYE LCP Specification

Material options Ti-6Al-4V ELI (ASTM F136) or 316L/316LVM stainless steel

Plate thickness 2.0-5.0 mm (segment-specific)

Plate width 10-17 mm

Hole design Combi-hole (locking + compression in same hole)

Small fragment screws 3.5 mm cortical / 3.5 mm locking / 4.0 mm cancellous

Large fragment screws 4.5 mm cortical / 4.5 mm locking / 5.0 mm cancellous / 6.5 mm cancellous

Mini fragment screws 2.0, 2.4, 2.7 mm locking

Locking mechanism Threaded conical (AO/ASIF compatible)

Surface Anodized titanium / passivated stainless

Locking screw drive Hexalobular (T15/T25) or hexagonal

Sterilization Gamma 25-40 kGy (ISO 11137)

MRI compatibility Titanium: conditional / Stainless: not compatible

 

 

Surgical Technique: Bridge Plating Example

 

Reduction — closed reduction under fluoroscopy; preserve soft-tissue attachments to fragments.

Approach — small incision(s) proximal and distal to the fracture; create a sub-muscular tunnel for the plate (MIPO).

Plate insertion — slide the pre-contoured plate along the bone; confirm position fluoroscopically.

Proximal fixation — place a non-locking cortical screw through a combi-hole to draw the plate to bone (compression hole).

Distal fixation — place locking screws through the targeting guide or by freehand.

Final tightening — torque all locking screws to manufacturer specification (typically 3.0-4.0 Nm for 3.5 mm, 4.0-5.0 Nm for 4.5 mm).

Confirm alignment — AP and lateral fluoroscopy to check length, rotation, and angulation.

Closure — layered closure; drain rarely needed.

Operative time: 30-90 min. Blood loss: < 100 mL for closed reductions.

 

 

LCP vs DCP vs Reconstruction Plate

 

Feature LCP DCP (Dynamic Compression Plate) Reconstruction Plate

Hole design Combi-hole Compression slot Notched, malleable

Screw types Locking or compression Cortical only Cortical only

Fixed-angle Yes No No

Best for Periarticular, osteoporotic, MIPO Diaphyseal with good bone Pelvis, acetabulum, curved anatomy

Contourability Limited (locking screws must align) Free contouring Highly malleable

Cost Higher Lower Lower

 

 

Complications and Risk Mitigation

 

Complication Reported Rate Mitigation

Screw cut-out < 2% (locking) vs 5-10% (conventional) Locking screws; avoid unicortical screws in osteoporotic bone

Plate prominence / irritation 2-5% Low-profile plates; soft-tissue care

Loss of reduction 2-4% Span > 2-3x fracture length; adequate screw count

Infection (deep) 1-3% MIPO preserves soft-tissue envelope; prophylactic antibiotics

Non-union 2-8% Bridge plating for comminution; early weight-bearing as tolerated

Cold welding (locking screw stuck in plate) < 1% Avoid over-torqueing; use torque-limiting driver

 

 

OEM/ODM Service

 

AOYE Medical supplies LCP systems to distributors and OEM partners worldwide. Services include:

 

Full anatomic plate sets: distal radius, distal femur, proximal tibia, proximal humerus, clavicle, calcaneus, tibial plateau, mini fragment

Laser logo on plates and screws

Custom instrumentation trays with AO-compatible layouts

Sterilization packaging (Tyvek / PE)

Regulatory document support (CE MDR 2017/745, 510(k))

Low MOQ (50 units per SKU for trial orders)

Lead time: 15-30 days repeat orders; 30-45 days new SKUs

Request a quotation at oem@aoyemedical.com.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a locking compression plate?

A locking compression plate (LCP) is an orthopedic bone plate with specially designed 'combi-holes' that accept both conventional cortical screws (for compression) and locking screws (for fixed-angle anchorage). The locking screw head threads into the plate hole, creating a single beam construct that is especially useful in osteoporotic and periarticular fractures.

 

What is the difference between locking and non-locking plates?

A conventional (non-locking) plate requires the screw to compress the plate against the bone to achieve stability — stability depends on bone quality. A locking plate achieves stability by locking the screw head into the plate, so stability is independent of bone-plate contact.

 

When should I use a locking plate vs a regular plate?

Use a locking plate for: comminuted periarticular fractures, osteoporotic bone, metaphyseal fractures, bridge plating in minimally invasive techniques, and revision of failed conventional fixation. Use a conventional plate for: diaphyseal fractures with good bone quality where compression is desired.

 

Can you combine locking and compression in the same plate?

Yes. LCP combi-holes accept both screw types. Surgeons typically use one or two cortical screws to draw the bone to the plate (compression), then add locking screws for fixed-angle stability.

 

What material are LCPs made of?

Most modern LCPs are manufactured from medical-grade Ti-6Al-4V ELI titanium alloy per ASTM F136 or from medical-grade stainless steel (316L/316LVM). Titanium LCPs are MRI-compatible and have lower modulus (less stress shielding).

 

What sizes does AOYE offer for LCP?

AOYE supplies LCP systems for small fragment (3.5 mm screws), large fragment (4.5/5.0 mm screws), mini fragment (2.0/2.4/2.7 mm), and specialized anatomic shapes. Plate lengths from 4 to 22 holes.

 

Does AOYE offer OEM LCP manufacturing?

Yes. AOYE manufactures LCP systems under OEM/ODM contracts with laser logo engraving, custom instrumentation trays, sterilization packaging, and CE/510(k) regulatory document support. Low MOQ (50 units per SKU) is available.