Lateral plate fixation for middle phalangeal fractures

Plate osteosynthesis is a core modality commonly employed for rigid surgical fixation of middle phalangeal fractures. It is conventionally done via a dorsal extensor-splitting approach, which bears the risk of plate irritation and adhesion formation with the extensor apparatus that can lead to significant postoperative stiffness. While utilizing a lateral surgical approach may avoid this issue, literature on it remains scarce within the context of middle phalangeal fractures. Here, we outline our extensor-sparing technique of lateral plate fixation in middle phalangeal fractures. We demonstrate that it is a feasible and safe method for rigid surgical fixation with favorable clinical outcomes.