Treatment of long oblique and spiral fractures is similar. The difference is in the screw insertion in relation to the fracture plane, which is strictly single in the long oblique fractures. In spiral fractures, the fracture plane is helical; therefore, each screw is inserted in a slightly different direction.
Indirect reduction is achieved by traction and digital manipulation. Usually, these fractures are unstable.
In a long fracture, fixation with two or more lag screws is usually sufficient, and a neutralization plate is not necessary.
A short oblique fracture may be stabilized with a lag screw protected with a neutralization plate, ie, condylar or T-plate.
For details, see the dedicated treatment option.
For spiral fractures, percutaneous treatment is not an option.
Percutaneous reduction and fixation may be performed with acute oblique fractures.
The advantages of percutaneous reduction and fixation are:
This treatment option needs some skills and experience and special reduction forceps to avoid impingement of swollen soft tissue (atraumatic technique).
If a percutaneous reduction is not achievable, the treatment can be changed to open surgery.
Open reduction and fixation may be used in acute and delayed cases. The addition of a neutralization plate also requires open surgery.
Obliquity of the fracture is possible either in the plane visible in the AP view or the lateral view. Always confirm the fracture configuration with views in both planes.
Place the patient supine with the arm on a radiolucent hand table.
Fracture obliqueness visible on AP view (in the sagittal plane): A lateral approach is used.
Fracture obliqueness visible on lateral view (in the coronal plane): A dorsal approach is used.
Reduction can be achieved by traction and lateral pressure exerted at the site of maximal displacement.
Confirm reduction clinically and with an image intensifier. If there is shortening of the finger, then there is often malrotation of the fracture.
If the fracture appears stable after reduction, nonoperative treatment can be considered. Confirming reduction with an image intensifier is then essential.
Hold the reduction with reduction forceps designed for a percutaneous technique. Impingement of soft tissues should be avoided.
If closed reduction is not successful or in a nonacute case, proceed with an open reduction.
When indirect reduction is not possible, this is usually due to interposition of parts of the extensor apparatus.
Rotate the finger and open the fracture for good direct visualization.
Determine the exact geometry of the fracture. This is very important for later screw placement.
Gently use pointed reduction forceps to reduce the fracture anatomically.
Confirm reduction visually and with an image intensifier.
It is mandatory to confirm that the apex of each fracture fragment has been properly reduced; otherwise, malrotation may result.
Provisionally hold the reduction with either two K-wires or one K-wire and reduction forceps. Be careful to place them in such a way that they will not conflict with later screw placement.
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.
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.
Each lag screw must be inserted perpendicularly to the fracture plane.
In spiral fractures, the result is that the screws follow a helical disposition.
If possible, three lag screws should be inserted. Generally, they should be inserted at equal intervals.
The exact size of the diameter of the screws used will be determined by the fragment size and the fracture configuration.
The various gliding and thread hole drill sizes for different screws are illustrated here.
Insert both screws before fully tightening them.
Insert them as perpendicularly as possible to the fracture plane.
It is important to tighten the two screws alternately not to displace the fragment.
Final lag-screw fixation with spiral and oblique fracture.
Confirm reduction and fixation with an image intensifier.
The aftercare can be divided into four phases of healing:
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:
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.