Compression plating

Transverse shaft fractures may be treated with open reduction and compression plate fixation.

Usually, the plate may be applied dorsally. In some fractures of the 2nd and 5th metacarpal diaphysis, the plate may be applied laterally (ie, radially and ulnarly).

Select a plate (1.5–2.0 mm) according to the size of the bone, fracture geometry, and surgeon’s preference.

The plate length should allow for at least two screws in each main fragment.

The plate is available as a conventional compression plate or with variable-angle (VA) locking-head screws.

Metacarpal II—Transverse shaft fracture—Fixation with a 5-hole 2.0 mm LCP plate

Place the patient supine with the arm on a radiolucent hand table.

For this procedure, the following approaches may be used:

• Dorsal approach to the metacarpals

In the 2nd metacarpal, a radial approach may be used. In the 5th metacarpal, an ulnar approach may be used.

Reduction can be achieved by axial traction and flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint exerted by the surgeon.

Confirm reduction with an image intensifier.

If the fracture reduction appears stable, nonoperative treatment may be considered. In this case, confirming reduction with an image intensifier is essential.

Two pointed reduction forceps can be used for reduction.

As most of these fractures have a flexion deformity, indirect reduction can be performed by pressure on the metacarpal head from the palmar aspect.

In very unstable situations, insert a K-wire across the fracture plane for preliminary stabilization.

Be aware that the cortical bone in the metacarpals is dense and thick, so the K-wire tip gets very hot. Irrigation during insertion of the K-wire is essential to avoid thermal necrosis of the bone around the wire track.

At this stage, it is advisable to check the alignment and rotational correction by moving the finger through a range of motion.

Rotational alignment can only be judged with flexed metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. The fingertips should all point to the scaphoid.

Malrotation may manifest by an overlap of the flexed finger over its neighbor. Subtle rotational malalignments can often be judged by a tilt of the leading edge of the fingernail when the fingers are viewed end-on.

If the patient is conscious and the regional anesthesia still allows active movement, the patient can be asked to extend and flex the finger.

Any malrotation is corrected by direct manipulation and later fixed. Flexing the MCP joints while preventing overlap of the fingers will reduce rotational displacement.

Under general anesthesia, the tenodesis effect is used, with the surgeon fully flexing the wrist to produce extension of the fingers and fully extending the wrist to cause flexion of the fingers.

Alternatively, the surgeon can exert pressure against the muscle bellies of the proximal forearm to cause passive flexion of the fingers.

If the plate is perfectly adapted to the convexity of the dorsal metacarpal surface, tightening the screws may result in a gap in the opposite cortex.

The solution is the same as all diaphyseal long bone transverse and oblique fractures. The plate is contoured, so that it is overbent relative to the bone surface. When screws are tightened, compression is then applied across the whole fracture plane including the opposite cortex.

Select a plate with at least 5 holes and center it over the fracture.

Ensure that the plate is centered on the long axis of the diaphysis.

Apply the compression plate according to standard techniques.

• Application of compression plate to a transverse fracture

After inserting the second screw, check the rotational alignment again.

Insert the remaining screws in neutral mode to provide improved resistance to rotational forces applied to the plate.

Cover the plate with periosteum to avoid adhesion between the tendon and the implant leading to limited finger movement.

Confirm correct rotational alignment by clinical examination.

Image intensification may be used to confirm anatomical reduction and correct placement of implants in two views.

The aftercare can be divided into four phases of healing:

• Inflammatory phase (week 1–3)
• Early repair phase (week 4–6)
• Late repair and early tissue remodeling phase (week 7–12)
• Remodeling and reintegration phase (week 13 onwards)

Full details on each phase can be found here.

If there is swelling, the hand is supported with a dorsal splint for a week. This would allow for finger movement and help with pain and edema control. The arm should be actively elevated to help reduce the swelling.

The hand should be splinted in an intrinsic plus (Edinburgh) position:

• Neutral wrist position or up to 15° extension
• Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in 90° flexion
• Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint in extension

The reason for splinting the MCP joint in flexion is to maintain its collateral ligament at maximal length, avoiding scar contraction.

PIP joint extension in this position also maintains the length of the volar plate.

After subsided swelling, protect the digit with buddy strapping to a neighboring finger to neutralize lateral forces on the finger.

To prevent joint stiffness, the patient should be instructed to begin active motion (flexion and extension) immediately after surgery.

See the patient after 5 and 10 days of surgery.

The implants may need to be removed in cases of soft-tissue irritation.

In case of joint stiffness or tendon adhesion restricting finger movement, arthrolysis or tenolysis may become necessary. In these circumstances, the implants can be removed at the same time.