> That construct is like something we'd use to patch cracked or bent
> fence posts on our ranch when I was a kid...
Any orthopaedic fixation device is based at mechanical principles known before...
> but fence posts don't walk and bleed.
The lady walks fine and doesn't bleed ;-)
> I have refreshed respect for the mighty femur and it's
> incredible/remarkable ability to unite, regardless of what we do to it.
The femur responded by failure to Mennen plating (DePuy Bridge plate). So i would add that the ability to unite is realized in mechanically and biologically sound conditions.