Article Details

The management of chronic osteoarticular infections of the hand represent a true challenge. Several treatment modalities have been described in the literature to eradicate the infection, including 2-stage bone grafting procedure with the induced membrane technique (Masquelet technique). This technique was initially proposed to address long bones defects, but it may also be applied to treat hand and wrist defects. Bone grafts can pose viability problems when they exceed a certain length or when they are placed in a hostile environment, particularly an infectious one. The masquelet technique, after induction of a pseudo-synovial protective membrane, finds an excellent indication in metacarpal defects. We present a case report in which osteomyelitis of the fourth metacarpal bone was treated by induced membrane technique, with a successful clinical outcome and a complete hand recovery.

Keywords: Hand trauma; Iselin’s technique; Metacarpals; Osteomyelitis; Hand osteosynthesis; Masquelet’s technique