Metacarpal and Proximal Phalangeal Fracture

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present a new technique for fixation of metacarpal and proximal phalangeal fractures. This hybrid dynamic minifix, as called for us, consists of a combination of intramedullary fixation and external fixation, stable but not a rigid fixation that permits early motion. Methods: We present a retrospective study of 33 with extra-articular metacarpal (14) and proximal extra-articular phalangeal (19) fractures with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up, range from 3 to 8 months. The patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated using range of motion, time to healing, time to get back to work, complication, and patient’s satisfaction. Results: All fractures got healed with the average time to union being 4 weeks. No differences were statistically significant to any aspect evaluated; all patients were satisfied and all of them got back to work in an average time frame of 2 months. Conclusion: This technique provides stable fixation, associated with a low complication rate; at the same time, it avoids the disadvantages of the open fixation and permits early motion. It showed to be safe and effective when used for treatment of extra-articular metacarpal and proximal phalangeal fractures.