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Authors of section

Authors

Fabio A Suarez, Aida Garcia

Executive Editor

Simon Lambert

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Compression plating with/without lag screw

1. General considerations

Short oblique 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).

This fixation follows the principles of compression plating of oblique fractures, ie, the plate should create an axilla (acute angle) with the oblique fracture line. If such an axilla cannot be created, lag-screw fixation with a neutralization plate should be considered.

Depending on the fracture morphology and surgeon’s preference, compression can be applied in one of the following modes:

  • Compression with a plate
  • Compression with a lag screw through a plate

Intrinsic compression can be achieved with a locking compression plate, shown in this procedure. With an anatomic plate, extrinsic compression is applied with forceps and maintained with locking head screws.

Compression plating of an oblique metacarpal shaft fracture

Fracture plane

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.

AP and lateral views of oblique metacarpal fractures

Plate selection

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.

Plate options for plating metacarpal shaft fractures

2. Patient preparation

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

Patient positioned supine with the arm on a radiolucent hand table

3. Approaches

For this procedure, the following approaches may be used:

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

4. Reduction

Indirect reduction

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.

Closed reduction by manual traction of a metacarpal shaft fracture

Pearl: flexing the finger

Alternatively, maximally flex the finger at the MCP and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and use the proximal phalanx to push up the metacarpal head (Jahss maneuver).
If all the fingers are flexed at the MCP joints, this automatically ensures correct rotational alignment.
Jahss maneuver to reduce a metacarpal fracture

Direct reduction

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.

Application of pointed reduction forceps to reduce and hold a metacarpal shaft fracture

Preliminary fixation in unstable situations

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.

K-wire inserted to provisionally hold reduction of a metacarpal shaft fracture

5. Checking alignment

Identifying malrotation

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.

Fingertips of flexed fingers should point to the scaphoid. Malrotation manifests by overlap of a flexed finger over its neighbors.

Using the tenodesis effect when under anesthesia

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.

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.

Surgeon exerting pressure against the muscle bellies of the proximal forearm to cause passive flexion of the fingers

6. Plate fixation

Plate preparation

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.

Overbending the plate relative to the bone surface results in compression across the whole fracture plane

Plate application

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.

Application of a plate to the metacarpal shaft
Pitfall: If the plate is not properly aligned on the dorsal surface of the metacarpal, the screws may not penetrate the medullary canal and may not have sufficient purchase. Secondary fractures may result.
Screw insertion during plate application to a metacarpal bone

Apply the compression plate according to standard techniques.

Insert the first screw to create an axilla (acute angle) between the plate and one of the fragments. The apex of the second fragment can then be reduced into the axilla.

Application of a compression plate to an oblique metacarpal fracture

Checking for rotational alignment

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

Normal rotational alignment of the fingers and rotational malalignment of the middle finger

Completing fixation

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.

Order of screw insertion for compression plating of an oblique metacarpal shaft fracture

7. Compression with a lag screw through the plate

A lag screw may, in some cases, be inserted across the fracture plane to augment stability.

Insertion of a lag screw through a plate for compression of an oblique metacarpal shaft fracture

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

Order of screw insrertion for compression plating with lag screw through the plate of an oblique metacarpal shaft fracture

8. Final assessment

Confirm correct rotational alignment by clinical examination.

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

9. Aftercare

Postoperative phases

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.

Postoperative treatment

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
Dorsal splint to treat a dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

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.

The metacarpophalangeal joint in flexion maintains the collateral ligament at maximal length and the proximal interphalangeal in extension 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.

Buddy strapping avoiding direct skin contact with adjacent fingers as conservative treatment

Functional exercises

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

Functional exercises for the hand

Follow-up

See the patient after 5 and 10 days of surgery.

Implant removal

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.