Management of Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fracture Malunions.

J Am Acad Orthop Surg · Jun 15 2026 · Review

Morrell N, Kelley NH, Pidgeon TS

From the Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, the University of New Mexico, NC…

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review of metacarpal and phalangeal malunions discusses corrective osteotomy techniques, emphasizing that 3D-printed cut guides and software planning are improving surgical correction of functionally significant malalignment.
Abstract, as published

Fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges are common. Inadequate management of these injuries frequently results in malunion. Although the hand is capable of adaptation to some malalignment, malunions of the metacarpals and phalanges are often functionally notable. In these cases, surgical correction may result in improved outcomes. Corrective osteotomies are capable of improving coronal, sagittal, and axial plane malalignment. Preoperative software-assisted osteotomy planning and 3D-printed cut guides are contemporary innovations that make treatment of these difficult problems much more approachable.

Featured in the 2026-09-19 issue.

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