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Metacarpal Fractures
Updated: Oct 9 2017

Metacarpal Neutralization Plate with Lag Screw Fixation for Short Oblique Fracture

Preoperative Patient Care
Operative Techniques
E

Preoperative Plan

1

Execute surgical walkthrough

  • describe the steps of the procedure verbally prior to the start of the case

2

Description of potential complications and steps to avoid them

F

Room Preparation

1

Surgical Instrumentation

  • Neutralization plate and lag screws

2

Room setup and Equipment

  • standard operating table
  • hand table

3

Patient Positioning

  • patient placed in the supine position with hand on hand table
  • place tourniquet high on the affected extremity
G

Longitudinal Dorsal Incision

1

Mark and make the incision

  • ensure that the exposure allows fixation of four cortices to the fracture both proximally and distally

2

Identify the neurovascular structures

  • identify and protect the dorsal sensory nerve branches
H

Provisional Fixation

1

Place a reduction clamp

  • place a reduction clamp for provisional fixation
  • if the fracture geometry permits , place a 2.0 to 2.5 mm contoured plate over the fracture
I

Plate and Lag Screw Fixation

1

Place a neutralization plate

  • if the fracture geometry permits , place a 2.0 to 2.5 mm contoured plate over the fracture

2

Place lag screws

  • place a lag screw either alone or through the plate
  • one advantage of placing the lag screw through the plate is that it minimizes the amount of soft tissue dissection along with improves stability

3

Place the remaining screws in the plate

  • fill the screw holes in the remainder of the plate
  • standard cortical screws are sufficient
  • in the event that the metaphyseal portion of the bone needs fixation, locking screws can be placed
J

Wound Closure

1

Close the periosteum and soft tissues

  • close the periosteum and the interosseous muscle fascia over the plate
  • this provides a smooth gliding surface for the extensor mechanism

2

Superficial closure

  • close the skin with 3-0 monocryl suture
Postoperative Patient Care
Private Note