Authors of section

Authors

Renato Fricker, Matej Kastelec, Fiesky Nuñez, Terry Axelrod

Executive Editor

Chris Colton

Proximal phalanx, metaphyseal (head), oblique

Indications

Fractures of the distal metaphysis can be transverse, oblique, or comminuted.
Always confirm the fracture configuration in views from both planes.
Stable undisplaced fractures can be treated nonoperatively. Any displacement or instability will usually require ORIF.
Other indications for ORIF are open fractures, or soft-tissue lacerations. In these cases, ORIF is the best option.

definition

Reduction principles

Indirect reduction is achieved by traction and manipulation.
These oblique fractures are likely to be unstable after reduction, especially long fractures, and in such cases, ORIF is indicated.
Sometimes indirect reduction may be prevented by interposition of the lateral band.
If the fracture is irreducible, ORIF is indicated.

definition
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