Metacarpal and phalangeal osteotomy with miniplate fixation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Symptomatic malunions of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures can impair hand function.
• Corrective osteotomies are a surgical option to address these deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of corrective osteotomies using power tools for malunions of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.
• To compare miniplate fixation with K-wire fixation for these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 10 patients undergoing corrective osteotomies with power tools.
• Assessment of osteotomy healing, alignment, and digital flexion arc.
• Comparison of miniplate fixation versus K-wire fixation techniques.

Main Results:

• All 10 patients achieved healed osteotomies with correct alignment.
• An average increase of 30 degrees in the flexion arc of the involved digit was observed.
• Miniplate fixation demonstrated advantages in precise correction, rigid stabilization, and allowed for shortened immobilization and early motion.

Conclusions:

• Corrective osteotomies with power tools are effective for symptomatic malunions of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.
• Miniplate fixation is recommended over K-wire fixation when feasible, offering superior outcomes.
• Careful preoperative planning is essential for successful corrective osteotomy procedures.