Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Miniature Plate Osteosynthesis in Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures of Hand: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION:There are several operative modes to address hand fractures to gain better anatomical and functional results including external fixator, percutaneous K-wire fixation, lag screw fixation, tension band wiring, intra-medullary nails or wires, and plate-screw fixation. We evaluated the results of plate osteosynthesis in fractures of metacarpals and phalanges in a prospective manner. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A total 50 adults (19-60 years) of either sex having 58 fractures managed by miniature plate osteosynthesis and followed for a minimum six months (6-19), including metacarpal and phalangeal fractures (unstable or serial fractures), intra-articular fractures, fracture-dislocation of proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints with joint incongruity or subluxation were enrolled while contaminated compound fractures, pathological fractures and cases of reimplantation were excluded from study. Clinical assessment was done using the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), total active flexion (TAF), total active range of motion (TAM) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quick DASH) score while sequential radiographs were done at each follow-up. RESULT:All the fractures had perfect union clinically as well as radiologically with a mean duration of six weeks while functional outcomes in reference to clinical scores were observed excellent and fair in all cases. None of the cases had any loss of reduction, loosening of the implant, or other major complications. CONCLUSIONS:Miniature plate fixation provides enough stability in metacarpal and phalanges fractures, thereby allowing immediate active movements, which leads to excellent functional outcomes and early return to normal activities.