[Stable osteosynthesis and autologous bone graft in compound hand fractures with bone defects]

The use of large cortico-cancellous bone grafts in reconstructive surgery of the skeleton of the hand had been greatly facilitated by the advent of stable internal fixation techniques. In cases with bone-defects or large areas of comminution there is less hazard in using primary bone grafts rather than pursuing pain-staking open reduction and fixation of small fragments. When numerous structures are severely injured, primary reconstruction of skin and tendons is dependent upon sound primary reestablishment of bony continuity. Aftercare is then directed exclusively to the demands of the non-bony structures which have been repaired.