Clinical effect analysis of Orthofix mini external fixator for treatment of open fracture of metacarpal bone

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Orthofix mini external fixator in the treatment of various open metacarpal fractures. Methods From February 2010 to March 2017, 45 cases of open metacarpal fractures were treated with Orthofix mini external fixator, including 38 males and 7 females. The age was 16 to 55 years old, with an average age of 36 years. There were 25 cases of simple fractures, 12 cases of comminuted fractures, and 8 cases of intra-articular fractures. Results All the patients were follow-up for 6 to 15 months with an average of 10 months. Twelve weeks after the operation, 84.4% (38/45) patients obtained complete healing. And 15.6% (7/45) patients had delayed union of fractures 8 months after the operation. The excellent and good rate was 95.6% in fracture reduction and 77.8% in joint motion. Those with poor joint motion were mainly intra-articular fractures and comminuted fractures. There were 4 cases (50%) with poor joint motion in 8 cases of intra-articular fractures. The excellent and good rate was 91.1% in pain score. Mild pin track infection occurred in 5 cases, with slightly red and swollen around. Postoperative surgical site infection occurred in 3 cases. Conclusion The application of Orthofix mini external fixator in the treatment of open metacarpal fractures can achieve good clinical efficacy. The rate of fracture healing is high with few complications. It has great value in trauma orthopedics. Key words: Metacarpal bones; Fractures,open; Fracture fixation; Mini external fixator