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Metacarpal Fractures
Updated: Oct 9 2017

Metacarpal DCP Plating for Transverse 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

  • DCP plating system

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

Dorsal Longitudinal Incision

1

Mark and make the incision

  • make a skin incision over the center of the fractured metacarpal

2

Identify the neurovascular structures

  • identify and protect the dorsal sensory nerve branches
H

Fracture Exposure

1

Expose the fracture extraperiosteally

  • identify the radial and ulnar margins
  • this helps in achieving appropriate reduction
I

Plate Placement

1

Measure the correct size DCP plate

2

Place the correct size plate

J

Provisional Fixation

1

Fix the plate

  • provisionally fix the plate by clamping the plate to the bone proximally
  • the most commonly used plates are 2.0 to 2.5 mm

2

Add a subtle concave bend to the plate before its application

  • this helps compress the volar cortices

3

Check the alignment

  • check the sagittal and coronal plane alignment by direct inspection of the fracture site
  • assess the rotation clinically with the aid of tenodesis
K

Definitive Fixation

1

Place screws in compression mode

  • achieve at least 4 cortices of fixation in both the proximal and distal fragments

2

Check the alignment and reduction

  • check the anatomic fracture reduction with fluoroscopy
L

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