Metacarpals and phalanges malunion: a narrative review

Abstract

Malunions are fractures that have healed with a deformity. Multiple abnormalities can coexist, but only one usually takes the lead causing symptoms, such as bone shortening, finger scissoring, etc. It is mainly caused by insufficient reduction. Malunions of the metacarpals are usually apex dorsal, while malunions of the phalanx tend to angulate volarly. Each patient with malunion should be assessed individually and treated conservatively if there is little to no functional impairment. Surgeries can be used to treat individuals with angular and rotational deformity.