Current fracture management utilises surgically implanted metal plates to fix fractured bones to restore anatomy. Following healing, the metal plate may have to be removed which requires a second operation imparting further trauma to the patient.

Bioresorbable composite fracture repair plates offer the potential of reduced stress shielding due to plate degradation which can lead to a progressive reduction in mechanical properties and transfer of loads to the healing bone tissue, whilst also obviating the need for a second surgical procedure to remove the plate.