Surgical management of osteochondral fractures of the phalanges and metacarpals: a surgical technique.

We report a technique of reducing and stabilizing osteochondral fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges, using the principle that the space within a joint is only "potential." Accurate reduction of the fragment and accurate approximation of the capsular rent effectively traps and holds the fragment without the need for internal fixation. Preservation of all soft tissue attachment to the fragments and early supervised mobilization ensure healing of both the bony and hyaline cartilage components.