Low profile dorsal plate

A method for fixation of a distal radial fracture, comprising:

• dissecting a retinaculum of a wrist exhibiting a fractured distal radius to create a flap;
• retracting the flap;
• retracting tendons overlying the fractured distal radius;
• attaching a dorsal plate to a distal extremity of the fractured distal radius, wherein the dorsal plate comprises:
• a single longitudinal portion having a distal end;
• a transverse portion fixed across the distal end at a fixed angle of 18° to 26° from perpendicular with respect to the single longitudinal portion such that a radial branch forms an obtuse angle with the single longitudinal portion and an ulnar branch forms an acute angle with the single longitudinal portion, the transverse portion includes an x-y curvature, the transverse portion also having a convex z-axis curvature or being flexible to form a convex z-axis curvature, where said z-axis curvature corresponds to a dorsal contour of the distal extremity of the fractured distal radius;
• a first plurality of screw holes positioned along the single longitudinal portion;
• and
• a second plurality of screw holes positioned along the transverse portion,
• wherein there are at least two screw holes on either side of the transverse portion;
• and
• securing the flap to cover the transverse portion of the dorsal plate,
• wherein the transverse portion is at least partially covered by the flap of the retinaculum so that there is substantially no direct contact between the tendons and the transverse portion of the dorsal plate.