[Treatment of intra-articular metacarpal and phalangeal fractures with an external fixation minidevice].

Open reduction of intraarticular fractures involving the metacarpals and phalanges and fixation with the small external fixation apparatus is a promising new method which fulfills a need. Full return of function in seven patients and a small limitation of function in three patients can be regarded as a satisfactory result. All patients returned to work after a short time without any complications. The external mini-fixation device which has already been useful in the treatment of open and closed fractures, infected nonunions and in performing arthrodeses has now found another application in the treatment of fractures involving finger joints.