fixation of hand fractures with intramedullary headless compression screws

Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures remain among the most frequently encountered orthopedic injuries, accountingfor 10% of all fractures. for operative fractures, there is an array of treatment options with percutaneous kirschner wirestabilization and screw and plate fixation strategies predominating. recently, a new fixation method was introduced,intramedullary (im) fixation with headless screws, which has advantages of a percutaneous technique and buriedhardware. the purpose of this review is to highlight the indications and surgical techniques of im screw fixation ofmetacarpal and phalangeal fractures. although more research is needed, im fixation represents a potentially reliablealternative to kirschner-wire and plate fixation.level of evidence: v