Hand Fracture Repair With Intramedullary Screws

Most hand fractures can be treated without surgery. There are those, however, that are poorly-aligned, and/or unstable, that need to be realigned and stabilized.

The traditional methods of stabilization required periods of immobilization after surgery that could lead to stiffness and loss of function.

New techniques including intramedullary screw fixation allow the fractures to be stabilized with tiny incisions, sometimes so small that stitches aren't even needed!

In these surgeries, the goal is to maintain the soft tissues and blood supply to the bone by avoiding a large dissection. A wire can be introduced into the bone through a pole-hole cut. Then a screw or multiple screws can be inserted over the guide wire to stabilize the bone internally. This rigid fixation remains in place, and the wire is removed.

The patient can often start moving the hand immediately after surgery, which leads to much quicker return to prior activities than traditional methods that involve casting or splinting for several weeks after surgery.