Corrective osteotomy of malunited fractures of phalanges and metacarpals.

We have retrospectively reviewed our experience of corrective osteotomies for phalangeal and metacarpal malunions in eleven patients over a 5-year period. Rotational metacarpal malunion treated by metacarpal osteotomy and AO plate fixation can be performed with confidence of achieving a good or excellent result. Phalangeal osteotomy remains a daunting undertaking for most hand surgeons. Our indifferent results are probably due to the inclusion of three intraarticular malunions treated by extraarticular osteotomy. An alternative approach to these malunions may be appropriate. Copyright 2000 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.