Experience of absorbable intramedullary fixation pin in the treatment of metacarpal shaft fracture

Abstract

Objective To discuss the clinical results of treating metacarpal middle shaft fractures using absorbable intramedullary fixation pins.Methods A retrospective study was conducted of 32 metacarpal shaft fractures in 28 patients that were treated with intramedullary absorbable pins.Hand function and radiographic evaluation were analyzed.Results All cases were follow-up for 6 to 10 months.Primary wound healing was achieved in all cases.Two cases of the fifth metacarpal fracture had dorsal angulation displacement.Re-fracture of the fifth metacarpal occurred in 1 case.All cases had fracture union.The active range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint flexion and extension was near normal.Conclusion Absorbable intramedullary fixation pin is a safe and effective treatment of metacarpal shaft fractures.However the strength of fixation cannot meet the demand of early exercise.Re-fracture or angulation displacement especially in the fifth metacarpal can happen.Auxiliary plaster external fixation is necessary after the operation. Key words: Fractures, bone; Internal fixators; Absorbable implants; Metacarpal shaft