Functional Hand-Based Splint in the Treatment of Metacarpal Fractures

Background: Post-treatment stiffness remains a significant hurdle following treatment for displaced or minimally displaced metacarpal fractures. Treatment goals should focus on a stable and acceptable reduction, minimal patient morbidity, and optimal mobility. Methods: A retrospective review of all non-operative metacarpal fractures over a five-month period at a tertiary center hand clinic treated with a hand-based splint were reviewed for radiologic and clinical stability. The splint allowed metacarpophalngeal joint, interphalangeal joint, and radiocarpal joint motion. Data collected included age, handedness, type and location of fracture, occupation, and ability to continue working. Radiologic images were reviewed by a radiologist not otherwise involved in patient care. Results: Thirty-three patients were reviewed with a total of 39 fractures of the second, third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals. Nine patients had nondominant hand fractures while 24 were dominant hand injuries. Twenty out of 24 patients employed pre-injury were able to continue working without missing any days. Three patients were lost to the final follow-up. The average splint duration was 24 days. Twenty-seven of 30 patients showed no change in alignment from start of splinting to end, while three showed some change but remained within non-operative criteria. Conclusion: A hand-based functional splint for metacarpal fractures allows for excellent maintenance of fracture reduction, early or immediate return to pre-injury activities, low patient morbidity, and maintains functional motion throughout treatment. It can be applied to any non-operative fracture of the second through the fifth metacarpal.

Evaluation of functional outcome of metacarpal fractures managed by operative techniques: a hospital based study

Background: Metacarpal fractures comprise approximately 35.5% of cases in daily emergencies, mostly due to road traffic accidents, fall, and assault. The main goal of treatment is to achieve the strong bony union without any functional disability. Aim of the study was evaluation of functional outcome of metacarpal fractures managed by operative techniques and to compare the efficacy of different operative techniques.Methods: A total of 50 patients managed by various operative techniques by using k-wires, screws and plates. Functional outcome was assessed by using total active movement (TAM) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scoring system at 6th week, 3rd month and at 6th month.Results: A total 47 fractures united and three fractures mal-united at the time of final assessment. Overall excellent and good results were achieved in 94% cases.Conclusions: Our finding suggests that open reduction and internal fixation with k-wire is most preferable method among all other operative techniques.

Carpometacarpal Dislocation with Third Metacarpal Fracture

Case Presentation: A 17-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) due to trauma to the right hand and wrist after punching a locker at school. He had significant soft tissue swelling. Radiographs demonstrated intra-articular metacarpal fractures with associated carpometacarpal dislocations. The dislocation was reduced bedside in the ED and ultimately underwent closed reduction surgical management with orthopedic surgery. Discussion: Metacarpal fractures result from high-force impact injuries and account for 30-40% of all hand injuries. The most common sites of second through fifth metacarpal fractures are at the neck and the shaft, with the majority involving the fifth metacarpal neck (commonly coined “boxer’s fractures”). Carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocations are a rare injury associated with high-force impact trauma to the wrist. These injuries account for as little as 1% of all acute hand and wrist injuries. Carpometacarpal dislocations are often difficult to diagnose on physical examination due to significant soft tissue swelling, and they can easily be missed on anterior-posterior views of the hand. Lateral and oblique plain radiograph views are essential in the diagnosis as they are more likely to show dislocations. Despite appropriate plain radiographic views, subtle CMC dislocations may be difficult to discern dependent on the level of dislocation or subluxation and overlapping of joints. These injuries are rare due to otherwise highly stable ligamentous and muscular attachments within the wrist. Because of these attachments, dislocations are often associated with concomitant metacarpal fractures.

Functional Outcome of Closed Metacarpal Fractures Treated with Mini Fragment Plates and Screws

Aim: To assess the functional outcome after metacarpal fracture fixation with mini fragment plates. Study design: Prospective cohort study Place and duration of study: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, GTTH, Lahore from 01-01-2015 to 31-07-2020. Methodology: Sixteen patients who were operated with mini fragment plates for metacarpal fractures. Functional outcome was evaluated with help of American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Total Active Flexion (TAF) score and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder. Results: Union was achieved in all patients. The functional outcome was excellent in 13 and good in 2 and poor in 1. Three cases of infection (all superficial) were noted, which settled with dressings and antibiotics. Conclusion: Mini fragment plates for metacarpals fractures are a good option, providing early mobilization and excellent functional outcome. Keywords: Functional outcome, Metacarpal fracture, Mini fragment plat, Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)