Bone plate system for hand fractures and other small bones

A bone plate system for the internal fixation of metacarpal and phalanx fractures of the hand is provided. The plates are structured to permit independent reconfiguration of holes of the plates relative to a longitudinal axis and are configured to orient fasteners to interdigitate with holes displaced along the longitudinal axis. The plates are very thin, and a locking screw with a low profile head design is provided for use therewith. Plate shaping tools may be attached to a plate having pre-assembled guides while the plate is located on the bone to effect alteration of the plate shape in an effective and precise manner. The tools are designed such that a drill and K-wires can be inserted through the guides while the tools are coupled to the guides.