Abstract
Fracture of fifth metacarpal neck commonly requires open reduction and internal fixation. However, the current methods of internal fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures remain unsatisfactory. Patients with fractures of fifth metacarpal neck received open reduction and internal fixation with either locking plate in combination with two crossed Kirschner wires (K-wires) or locking plate alone were evaluated for the clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes included grip strength, Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire (MHQ), final angulation and range of motion (ROM) one year after treatment. The averages of MHQ scores, final angulation and ROM of fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of plate with K-wire group were more superior to those of plate group (MHQ 96.7 versus 86.6, final angulation 11.8 versus 23.6, ROM 83.3 versus 72.2). The grip strength had no significant difference between two groups. Locking plate in combination with two crossed K-wires is a more optimal method of fixation compared with locking plate alone.
Highlights
Acute fifth metacarpal neck fractures (≤3 days) treated with open reduction and lock plate fixation with or without two crossed Kirschner wires (K-wires) were included for analysis from May 2011 to May 2015
Patients were divided based on the method of internal fixation
There was no significant difference in the rates of superficial infection and tenosynovitis between two groups
Summary
Acute fifth metacarpal neck fractures (≤3 days) treated with open reduction and lock plate fixation with or without two crossed K-wires were included for analysis from May 2011 to May 2015. After reduction and placement of locking plate, two crossed K-wires were inserted or not based on surgeons’ preferences. Clinical assessments included grip strength, Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire (MHQ)[11]. Male Female Age MHQ score Grip strength Angulation ROM
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