This plate is used for internal fixation of fractures and comes in various shapes, widths, hole shapes, and materials. The plate is designed to maintain alignment and provide compression between the fracture ends to allow bone to transfer some of the applied loads itself. Plates can have different functions, such as locking plate, buttress, neutralization, bridging, and compression plates.

A rectangular beam such as a 2x4 has an area moment of inertia that changes with the change in orientation with the plane of loading. When a rectangular beam is placed on its edge, it has a greater moment of inertia and thus demonstrates greater rigidity than when it is placed on its side. The principles of moment of inertia and rigidity also apply to plate and nail strength, as well as the distribution of material mass about the neutral axis.

An IM nail is a round nail placed in the medullary cavity to stabilize long bone fractures. It is subjected to compression, tension, torsion, and bending forces. The cross-sectional shape of the nail affects its bending and torsional rigidity. A solid circular nail with a larger diameter is stiffer and stronger than a smaller one. On the other hand, a plate is a flat metal implant placed across the fracture site to provide stability and compression. It has a rectangular cross-section and resists loads differently in one plane compared to another. Changing the length or working length of a plate can also affect its biomechanical stability and rigidity.