Metacarpal canal occlusion: A rare contraindication in intramedullary pinning

Abstract

Introduction: Intramedullary fixation with K-wires is one well-known surgical intervention for the management of metacarpal bone fractures. There are numerous papers dealing with metacarpal canal measurements but there is no research on anatomical occlusion. We used postero-anterior X-ray images to measure the frequency and the bone affected with metacarpal canal occlusion.Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 subjects (564 male, 436 female) were included. The frequency of intramedullary canal occlusion from the second to fifth metacarpal where evaluated by age and gender. Results: Subject age ranged from 18 to 88 years (male 28.8±6.7 years, female 32.6±7.3 years). Intramedullary canal occlusion was observed in 24 metacarpal bones of 21 subject. The second, third, and fourth intramedullary canal was occluded in 8, 7 and 9 metacarpal bones, respectivley. Conclusion: MC intramedullary canal occlusion is a anatomical variation that is an absolute contraindication for intramedullary stabilization with K-wires. We recommend paying greater attention to these detail in specific age groups.