Introduction The development of compression osteosynthesis has led to fundamental changes in the treatment of fractures of the jaw. The various types of plate are known, inter alia, through papers published by Luhr (68, 69), Spiessl et al. (73), Becker and Maehtens (73), Schilli et al. (73), and Becker et al. (75). As a rule these plates have to be placed in a position caudal to the mandibular canal so that, in spite of the repositioning forceps mentioned by Spiessl and Schroll (72) being used, adjustment of the compressive pressure necessary presents problems particularly in the alveolar region, Champy et al. (75) therefore use a so-called mini screw plate fixed with the aid of mini screws at the level of the alveolar process. The development of a new material, the so-called has now made it possible to correct the shape of the plate and thus to position the fragments and to ensure compressive pressure in the alveolar region. The new NiTi alloy resumes its original shape after cold working, if it is heated for a short time. This property is known as the memory effect. Schlegel (77), Haasters et al. (77), Baumgart et al. (77) have reported on the use of memory alloys in medicine. In conjunction with work now under way at the Krupp Research Institute and in the Essen university clinic, osteosynthesis plates were made for the treatment of jaw fractures and initial tests under load carried out.