Minicondylar compression plate fixation

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.

Indirect reduction is achieved by traction and manipulation.
Sometimes indirect reduction may be prevented by interposition of the lateral band.
If the fracture is irreducible, ORIF is indicated.

For this procedure a midaxial approach to the proximal phalanx is normally used.

Reduction can be achieved by traction and flexion exerted by the surgeon, or by two pointed reduction forceps.
Confirm reduction under image intensification.
Often, these fractures are stable after reduction. In such cases, nonoperative treatment is indicated.

Direct reduction is necessary when the fracture can not be reduced by traction and flexion, or is unstable.
When indirect reduction is not possible, this is usually due to interposition of parts of the extensor apparatus.
Use a pointed reduction forceps for direct reduction.

Pointed reduction forceps, or a K-wire, may be used for preliminary fixation. However, in many cases the position of the forceps, or the K-wire, will conflict with the planned plate, or screw position.
For that reason, in many cases, the reduction is preliminarily held by an assistant’s holding the finger in flexion. If the extensor apparatus is intact, it will act as a tension band and hold the reduction.

It is wise to use magnifying loupes for this step.
Plan the blade position as dorsal as possible, in order not to injure the collateral ligament.
Make sure that the plate will be perfectly aligned with the long axis of the proximal phalanx in the lateral view.

As the minicondylar plate has notches (like a reconstruction plate), it can also be curved on the flat to fit the curve of the phalanx.

Note
It is worth investing time in the precise contouring of the plate to the phalanx. Any imperfection in contouring will result in fracture displacement when the diaphyseal screws are tightened.

In order to determine the position of the first drill hole (for the blade), it can be very helpful to turn the plate over and use it as a template.

Adapt the plate length to fit the length of the proximal phalanx. Avoid sharp edges which may be injurious to the tendons. There should be at least 3 plate holes distal to the fracture available for fixation in the diaphysis. At least two screws need to be inserted into the diaphysis.

Pearl: Cut the blade transversely
If you cut the blade on the flat, it will compress and widen very slightly as it is cut. This makes its maximal width very slightly larger than 1.5 mm. It may not fit in the 1.5 mm hole that you have drilled.
Therefore, cut the blade on edge (to deform it through its narrower dimension) to the correct length. The resultant tip is somewhat arrow-shaped.

When cutting the plate, be very careful not to create a sharp dorsal edge that will endanger the extensor apparatus. Correct cutting will produce the sharp edge on the bone side of the plate.

Drill a 1.5 mm transverse hole through the condylar metaphysis of the proximal phalanx, adjacent to the subchondral bone.

The drill hole needs to be sufficiently dorsal to leave enough space for the plate hole adjacent to the blade.

Measure the length of the drill hole.
Cut the blade to the determined length, so that it just fills the drill hole.

Avoid protrusion of the blade through the opposite cortex, as friction during movement and eventual ligament injury may result.
Due to the fact that the phalanx is wider on the palmar side that on the dorsal side, an AP or PA x-ray view may suggest that the blade is fully contained within the bone, whereas in transverse section, it actually protrudes.

Introduce the blade into the drill hole. Gently push with the thumb until the plate is fully seated.

Before inserting distal screw adjacent to the blade, ensure that the plate is in line with the phalangeal diaphysis in the lateral view by rotating it around the long axis of the blade.

Insert distal screw
The distal screw is then inserted in a neutral position.
The screw should just engage the far cortex.

Note
Be careful to avoid screw protrusion, as ligament injury may result from friction during movement.

Use a 1.1 mm drill bit to prepare the first diaphyseal screw hole at the proximal end of the plate.
This hole must be eccentrically drilled to produce axial compression.

Measure for screw length and insert an eccentric self-tapping 1.5 mm screw.
Tightening the screw will compress the fracture axially.

While tightening this second screw, a maladapted plate may cause rotational displacement and result in loss of reduction.
Be sure to check the reduction using image intensification after this step.

Insert the remaining diaphyseal screws in neutral positions.

The x-ray shows a completed osteosynthesis of the condylar metaphysis with a minicondylar plate.

Protect the digit with buddy strapping to the adjacent finger, to neutralize lateral forces on the finger.

The patient can begin active motion (flexion and extension) immediately after surgery.

See patient after 5 days 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’s restricting finger movement, tenolysis, or arthrolysis become necessary. In these circumstances, take the opportunity to remove the implants.