[Principles of osteosynthesis of the hand]

In cases of joint fractures as well as in dislocated and open fractures of the hand special standards concerning operation methods have to be set. Treatment of soft tissue damage accompanying the fracture is in no other region of the body so important. Therefore the current efforts for development of an AO-classification for fractures of the hand taking into account the soft tissue damage are of major significance. Special features of miniosteosynthesis compared to conventional osteosynthesis are the subject of this study. The use of the miniplate especially in juxtaarticular fractures of the hand due to complex injuries or replantations can overcome the disadvantages of joint-bridging K-wires. Osteosyntheses of the hand are making high technical demands on surgeons and are not at all operations for beginners.