Effects of postoperative early motion on the results of osteosynthesis with miniplates in metacarpal fractures

Abstract

Objectives: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the radiological and functional results of rigid internal fixation with mini plate osteosynthesis in the management of metacarpal fractures. Methods: In this study, 11 patients (10 males, 1 female) which were treated with mini plate osteosynthesis for metacarpal fracture (n=13) were evaluated retrospectively. The average age of patients was 35 years (range 25-46 years) with a mean follow-up of 1.4 years (range 1.1 to 2.2-years). Rehabilitation program was started on the postoperative second day. Range of motion was assessed according to the total active range of motion (TAROM) scale. Results: Eight patients (10 metacarpal) had excellent scores, two patients had good scores and one patient had moderate score at final follow-up. Time to union was found an average of 6 weeks (range 4-7 weeks). Complications did not observed such as loss of reduction, infection, circulatory disorders, neurological symptoms, osteonecrosis, sudeck atrophy. Conclusion: Rigid internal fixation with mini plate osteosynthesis could be performed in patients with metacarpal fractures with satisfactory radiological and functional results along with rehabilitation program contains passive and active joint movements initiated at early post-operative period.