Unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures: treatment by internal fixation using AO mini-fragment plates and screws.

Background: Accurate open reduction and internal fixation for metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of the hand is required in less than 5% of the patients; otherwise, closed treatment techniques offer satisfactory results in most of these cases as these fractures are stable either before or after closed reduction. AO mini-fragment screws and plates, when used in properly selected cases, can provide rigid fixation, allowing early mobilization of joints and hence good functional results while avoiding problems associated with protruding K-wires and immobilization. The advantages of such internal fixation urged us to undertake such a study in our state where such hand injuries are commonly seen.

Retrospective analysis of the occurrence of radiologically detectable surgical error in cases of failed pedicle screw implants.

Pedicle screw instrumentation is an important tool in an orthopaedic surgeon's armamentarium in the management of spinal fractures. Complications with this system have been studied extensively. Due to the exacting technique the possibility of surgical error exists while using this modality.