Bridge plating in the setting of radiocarpal instability: Does distal fixation to the second or third metacarpal matter? A cadaveric study

Figure 5 The effect of focusing on distal fixation alone with proximal bridge plate placement through the fourth dorsal compartment. A: Posterior-anterior view of third metacarpal fixation (left) and second metacarpal fixation (right) demonstrates ulnar translocation of the carpus (even radial translation within the fourth dorsal compartment is insufficient to align the radiocarpal joint); B: Lateral view demonstrates volar subluxation of the radiocarpal joint, which was observed in half of the pilot study specimens with second metacarpal distal fixation (third metacarpal left, second metacarpal right).