Method of implanting a modular fracture fixation system

A method of coupling a plurality of bone plates to a bone, comprising:

• a) first coupling first and second plates together separately from the bone;
• b) attaching the coupled upper and lower plates to the bone with a first cortical screw, the first cortical screw having a head that seats on the upper plate;
• and
• c) further securing said coupled plates to the bone with a second cortical screw, said second cortical screw having a head that passes through the upper plate and seats on the lower plate.

A method of coupling a plurality of bone plates to a bone, comprising:

• providing first and second plates;
• coupling the first and second plates together separately from the bone such that they are securely longitudinally retained in tension independently of the bone;
• and
• then securing said coupled plates to the bone with a bone screw.

A method of coupling a plurality of bone plates to a bone, comprising:

• providing a selection of first-type of plate and second-type of plate, the selection of said first-type and second-type of plates including discrete sizes of at least one of said respective types of plates;
• first coupling a selected first-type and second-type of plates together separately from the bone with a set screw such that that they are securely longitudinally retained in tension, independently of the bone;
• and
• then securing said coupled plates to the bone with a bone screw, said bone screw having a head that passes through the first-type of plate and seats on the second-type plate and a shaft with bone engaging threads.