In the treatment of fractures, which device is utilized in internal fixation?

In the treatment of fractures, internal fixation refers to a surgical method that stabilizes broken bones using devices that are placed inside the body. Plates are specifically designed metal devices that are often contoured to fit the bone's surface and secured in place with screws. This method allows for the alignment of bone fragments and promotes proper healing without the need for rigid external supports.

Though screws are also used in internal fixation, they are typically not used alone; they function to secure other devices like plates to the bone. Bandages are primarily utilized for external support and do not provide the necessary stability for internal fixation. External fixators are a different type of device that is applied outside the body and used for temporary or less invasive stabilization. Therefore, the correct utilization of plates in internal fixation makes them the answer in the context of this question.