Shaft, multifragmentary

Comminuted fractures are rarely isolated injuries, as they usually result from high-energy trauma (crushing). Soft-tissue lesions are frequently associated with the potential risk of edema, fibrotic reactions and eventual stiffness.
For these reasons, these injuries are usually treated by ORIF, in order to provide sufficient stability for immediate mobilization, reducing such risks.
Even in the hand, which has an abundant blood supply, small fragment comminution means poor soft-tissue attachment to the fragments and, thereby, compromised vascularity.