SummaryPoor bone quality, bone loss, and holes secondary to prior fixation all pose difficult problems. Locking plates provide unique attributes that are specifically useful in failed fixation. These include the ability to recreate a cortex, to function as a fixed angled device, and to purchase a volume of bone. All of which can lead to solid fixation where standard plate constructs might fail. The use of locking plates in revision fixation and the evolution of locking plates will be discussed. Case examples are presented to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of locking plates. Locking plates are not the answer to all revision fixation problems, but they are able to provide stable fixation where other fixation might fail.