Hand and Finger Fractures: Fixation With a Screw Animation

Hand and Finger Fractures: Fixation With a Screw Animation

This animation demonstrates fixation of a finger fracture with a screw. Here we see a left hand with a fracture in the fifth metacarpal, or long hand bone. First, an incision is made along the top of the hand to see the end of the metacarpal. The finger is bent, and the broken bone is realigned.

A guidewire is placed into the bone, passing through the fracture. A drill is drilled over the wire to create space for a screw. The screw is passed over the wire and screwed until just past the end of the bone, securing the fracture in place without protruding into the finger joint.

The guidewire is removed, the skin incision will be closed with sutures, and the procedure is complete.