Research progress in surgical procedures for fifth metacarpal neck facture

Abstract

Clench beating or other direct violent action often leads to neck fracture combined with typical dorsal angulation deformity because of the special anatomical structure of the fifth metacarpal neck. There are various treatment methods for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture with their own advantages and disadvantages. Conservative treatment can achieve good fracture healing and has slight effect on function, yet often leaving appearance deformity. Kirschner wire fixations are varied and can obtain satisfactory results, but the drawbacks include obvious tendon adhesion and pin track infection. Microplate screw fixation can obtain good stability that allows early functional exercise. However, its disadvantages include scars, multiple surgeries, and higher medical expenses. External fixation has good curative effect on comminuted joint fracture. With the development of bioengineering technology, absorbable internal fixation is gradually applied to clinical treatment with satisfactory therapeutic effect, but its application is still limited due to the huge cost. Therefore, there is still no unified optimal therapeutic regimen. The author reviews the anatomical characteristics, fracture characteristics, treatment principles, and treatment methods so as to provide reference for formulation of clinical therapy. Key words: Metacarpal bones; Fractures, bone; Hand injuries