title: Metacarpal and phalangeal osteotomy with miniplate fixation.
abstract: We reviewed the results of corrective oseotomies performed with power tools for symptomatic malunions of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in 10 patients. At an average follow-up of 30 months, all patients had a healed osteotomy with correct alignment and had an average increase of 30 degrees in the flexion arc of the involved digit. We recommend a surgical technique of miniplate fixation over K-wire fixation where possible; it allows precise, intraoperative correction and rigid stabilization. A shortened immobilization time and early motion are significant advantages of plate fixation. However, plates cannot be used across open growth plates or directly over areas of tendon insertion. A careful preoperative plan should always be prepared prior to any corrective osteotomy. Problems such as post-operative tendinous adhesions did not occur, nor did nonunions or delayed unions.
authors.affiliation: Hughston Orthopaedic Clinic, PC, Columbus, Georgia.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Frederick
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000601:surgery; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*