Closed reduction and transverse fixation with Kirschner wires for the fifth metacarpal base fracture

Abstract

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of closed reduction and transverse fixation with Kirschner wires and open reduction and fixation with mini-plates or Kirschner wires for the fifth metacarpal base fracture.Methods Data of 50 patients,who had been treated in our hospital for the fifth metacarpal base fracture from August 2005 to May 2012,were enrolled in this study.Twenty-six patients underwent closed closed reduction and transverse fixation with Kirschner wires,including 22 males and 4 females,aged from 17 to 41 years; according to the OTA classification,there were 8 of type A1,11 of type B1,and 7 of type C1.Twenty-four patients underwent open reduction and fixation with mini-plates or Kirschner wires,including 21 males and 3 females,aged from 19 to 46 years (average,26 years); according to the OTA classification,there were 11 of type A1,8 of type B1 and 5 of type C1.The total active motion (TAM) score of Chinese Medical Associaition was used to evaluate the range of motion of the joint.Results In closed reduction group,the operation time ranged from 14 to 33 min; the treatment costs ranged from 2018 to 2995 yuan; 23 patients were followed up for 6 to 26 months; X-rays showed the anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients,and the fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 7 weeks; according to the TAM score,the result was excellent in 15,good in 6 and fair in 2,and the excellent and good rate was 91.3％.In open reduction group,the operation time ranged from 45 to 105 min; the treatment costs ranged from 3874 to 4793 yuan; 22 patients were followed up for 6 to 21 months; X-rays showed the anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients,and the fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks; according to the TAM score,the result was excellent in 13,good in 7 and fair in 2,and the excellent and good rate was 90.9％.Conclusion Closed reduction and transverse fixation with Kirschner wires is an effective method for the fifth metacarpal base fracture,which has several advantages,such as simple operation,stable fixation,satisfactory results,short operation time and low treatment costs. Key words: Metacarpal bone; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation