Long-Term Functional Results of Intra- and Extra-Articular Hand Fractures Treatment With Titanium Miniature Plates and Screws With Minimum Follow-Up of 24 Months

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of an extended range of hand fractures treated with titanium, low profile plates, and screws.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included adult patients with at least one phalangeal and/or metacarpal fracture, treated with mini titanium plates and screws, between 2004-2016, in a single trauma center, that were followed-up for at least 24 months and with complete, intact medical records.Results90 patients (79 men and 11 women) with 114 hand (46 phalangeal, 68 metacarpal) fractures fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two fractures were open (28.07%), 27 were intra-articular (23.68%), and 12 were both open and intra-articular fractures. The mean age of the patients was 36.02 years (range 17-75). Mean follow-up was 95.3 months (range 24 to 138). Open fractures had a reduced mean grip strength and total active motion. No difference was observed between intra-articular and extra-articular fractures (for grip strength and total active motion). Predictors of the final outcome included the severity of the initial injury (open vs closed) and not the anatomic location (intra- or extra-articular, metacarpal, or phalangeal) of the fracture.ConclusionsLow-profile plates and screws can successfully be used to establish union and restore the alignment of the fractured bone while achieving a satisfactory clinical outcome, even in cases of open or intra-articular fractures.