Articular fractures of the hand. Part II: Guidelines for management.

Articular fractures of the hand represent a particularly challenging group of injuries owing to the frequent comminution of the fractured bone, disruption of a finely balanced soft-tissue sleeve, and a propensity for scarring and contractures. Treatment must restore anatomic joint alignment and stability and should incorporate a carefully guided early rehabilitation program. Part I of this article, which appeared in the January issue, covered techniques for the evaluation of these complex injuries.