Clinical observation of minor external fixation combined with Kirschner wire for open comminuted fracture of metacarpophalangeal joint

Abstract

To explore the method and therapeutic effect of minor external fixation combined with Kirschner Treatment for open comminuted fracture of metacarpophalangeal joint. From January 2013 to December 2014, 13 patients with open comminuted fracture of metacarpophalangeal joint were treated by minor external fixation combined with Kirschner wire, including 9 males and 4 females, aged from 18 to 56 years old with an average of 35 years old.According to Gustilo classification, 8 cases were type II, 4 cases were type IIIA, and 1 case was type IIIB. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 7 h with an average of 5 h. All fractures were involved with metacarpal phalangeal joint surface. Fracture healing time and postoperative complications were observed, TAM scoring system by Hand Surgery Association of Chinese Medical Association was used to evaluate functional recovery. All patients were followed up from 3 to 12 months with an average of 7 months. All fractures were obtained bone healing, and the time ranged from 4 to 6 weeks with an average of (4.6±1.0) weeks. No broken and loose needle, pin track infections, malunion, loose bracket, reflection sexual sense of neurological malnutrition occurred. According to TAM scoring system, 7 cases obtained excellent results, 4 cases good, 1 case moderate and 1 case poor. Minor external fixation combined with Kirschner wire for open comminuted fracture of metacarpophalangeal joint has advantages of simple operation, good stability and which could be adjusted at the later stage, less damage for soft tissue periosteum, low inflammatory, earlier functional exercise. It is worth to be popularized and applied.