Objective To propose a topology-optimized design method for bone plates that effectively reduces stress concentration and improves bone healing compared with traditional topology-optimized methods. Methods Based on the load constraints of a bone plate in a broken bone-splint system, an improved topology optimization method based on the load path is used to optimize the design of the bone plate structure. Subsequently, a bone regeneration simulation model based on bias strain was used to simulate the transverse fracture of the tibial tuberosity, and the force state, fixation stability, and healing performance of the optimized plate were evaluated based on data from the bone regeneration process. Results Using the optimized bone plate based on the load path optimization method, the maximum stresses of the bone plate were 55.68 MPa and 42.23 MPa at volume fractions f=0.55 and 0.65, respectively, which were reduced by 32.96% and 29.95%, respectively, compared with the optimized bone plate using the traditional topology optimization method. The average elastic moduli of the callus after the bone-healing process were 1 439.47 MPa and 1 355.71 MPa, respectively. These values were 145.86% and 131.06% higher than those of traditional bone plates, respectively. Conclusions In this study, the proposed improved topology optimization method based on the load path was used to optimize bone-plate structures. Compared to the bone plate obtained using the traditional topology optimization method, the optimized bone plate was more uniformly loaded and safer. The bone-healing performance was significantly improved compared to the traditional bone plate. These results provide a new method for the optimal design of internal fixation implants for fractures.