A plate system is used in a surgical procedure to manage a distal radius or similar bone fracture. A plate of the plate system includes two leg segments extending downwardly from a generally horizontal segment, and further includes an elongated slot defined through the center of the horizontal segment of the plate near its top edge. A subchondral support element is inserted through the elongated slot and is advanced into the bone. The plate further defines two holes through the horizontal segment near a respective one of the two leg segments. Locking screws, such as variable angle locking screws, are inserted into and locked into the respective holes, with each locking screw advancing into the bone such that a distal tip of each locking screw engages the subchondral support element, thus providing a three-point support.
