BackgroundMetacarpal shaft fractures account for 30% of all hand fractures; long oblique and spiral shaft fractures represent a significant quantity. Closed or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is generally indicated for unstable fractures, rotational malalignment or significant metacarpal shortening. Various techniques can achieve appropriate fixation, though nosingle technique has been proven to be superior across all cases. The choice of fixation often depends on fracture pattern, surgeon expertise and patient factors. ObjectivesThis large series aims to show that our novel technique can achieve an excellent clinical and aesthetic outcome for metacarpal fractures despite being inferior in biomechanical studies. Methods120 fractures in 115 hands were included in centres acrossIreland and Saudi Arabia between 2016 and 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients with long oblique and spiral metacarpal mid-shaft fractures with significant displacement, metacarpal shortening and/or rotational malalignment. Fixation was achieved via cerclage wires inserted through a minimal dorsal incision, . We examined these patients’ clinical and radiological outcomes. ResultsWe saw excellent results in our cohort. 92.5% of patients included in the study obtained a full passive and active range of motion at final follow-up. The mean qDASh score was 4.5. There was one case of malunion and one wire migration. No patients had cosmetic concerns regardingdorsal hand scars. ConclusionOur novel metacarpal cerclage can lead to patients regaining an excellent range of motion and avoiding extended immobilisation. We believe this method is technically simple, more forgiving to mistakes, affordable, and can provide excellent cosmesis
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