The use of titanium miniplates in arthrodesis of the interphalangeal joints and a metacarpal neck fracture.

Fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges are the most common fractures of the upper extremity. Hand fractures can be complicated by deformity because of no treatment, stiffness due to overtreatment, and both due to inappropriate treatment. "Boxer's" fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck are rarely seen in professional boxers, they are fare more common in people who hit solid objects such as walls. Controversy exists regarding the optimum treatment. General indications for arthrodesis of hand joints of the hand include pain, instability, or deformity combined with a loss of motor control or bony stock sufficient to support arthroplasty. When all previous attempts to restore painless motion fail, arthrodesis of the joint becomes the method of choice. The most commonly arthrodesed finger joints are distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb. The position of joint arthrodesis should be individual depending on the patient's needs. (Fig. 13, Ref. 6).