Multiple drill-hole osteotomy in hand surgery – description of a novel application and proof of feasibility

BACKGROUND Malunion of phalangeal and metacarpal bones are often associated with impairment of hand function and pose a challenging task for treating surgeons in most cases. When applicable, corrective osteotomy is the treatment of choice, where the affected bone is cut to correct malalignment using chisels or saws. The use of these instruments is associated with several drawbacks especially in hand surgery. We aimed to determine whether a multiple drill-hole (MDH) osteotomy technique was suitable for performing corrective osteotomies of metacarpal and phalangeal bones. METHODS This case series included 11 patients with malalignments or malunions of phalangeal or metacarpal bones. Corrective osteotomy was performed with the MDH technique. Follow-up examinations included clinical evaluations and radiography at frequent intervals, between 2 and 22 months postoperatively. RESULTS In all cases, planned osteotomies were technically feasible with the MDH technique. Apart from one case of a broken drillbit, no intraoperative or postoperative complication was recorded. All performed osteotomies healed within a mean of 6 weeks to radiological consolidation. In all cases, satisfactory results were achieved. CONCLUSION The present study was the first to test MDH osteotomy for hand surgery. We demonstrated that MDH was feasible for corrective osteotomies of metacarpal and phalangeal deformities. Advantages included excellent feasibility for osteotomies performed at varying angles, precise execution, reduced risk of collateral damage, and flexibility for performing intra-articular osteotomies.