The Addition of a Temporary Intramedullary K-wire to Facilitate Plating for Metacarpal Fractures

Abstract

Open reduction internal fixation with plate fixation is commonly used in treating metacarpal fractures to facilitate early rehabilitation. However, it is sometimes challenging to maintain a satisfactory 3-dimensional alignment during the plating process. We present a method using a temporary centrally placed intramedullary k-wire to maintain a fundamental stability for reduction of metacarpal fractures. This method facilitates the plating process and simplifies the open reduction internal fixation of the metacarpal fractures.