[Treatment strategy for carpometacarpal fracture dislocation]

Carpometacarpal Fracture-Dislocations: A Retrospective Review of Injury Characteristics and Radiographic Outcomes

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics and early radiographic treatment outcome of patients with carpometacarpal (CMC) injuries at our institution over a 10-year period. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who sustained CMC injuries of the second to fifth digits between 2005 and 2015. We recorded demographic data, mechanisms of and associated injuries, treatment methods, and complications. Injury and intraoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated, and the adequacy of reduction was determined on lateral radiographs of the hand using a grading system that we developed. Results: Eighty patients were included in this study. Delivering a blow with a closed fist was the most common mechanism of injury; however, high-energy mechanisms also made up a large percentage of those included. Injuries to the fourth and fifth CMC joints were most common, and these were frequently associated with fractures of the metacarpal bases and distal carpal row. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning offered a higher percentage of patients with concentric reduction at the time of pin removal. Time to surgery was significantly different between those with concentric reduction and those with residual subluxation. Conclusion: The most common mechanism of CMC injuries was blow with a closed fist; however, these injuries can be associated with high-energy mechanisms. Fractures of the metacarpal base and distal carpal row are commonly seen with these injuries. With early diagnosis, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning achieved concentric radiographic reduction. Delayed diagnosis makes closed reduction difficult and was associated with less favorable radiographic outcome.

Open Reduction for Dorsal Dislocation of Second to Fifth Carpometacarpal Joints: A Case Report

Background  Fracture-dislocations of all four ulnar (second to fifth) carpometacarpal (CMC) joints are rare hand injuries and frequently overlooked or missed. These injuries can be treated conservatively when closed reduction is successfully achieved, though they are sometimes irreducible and unstable. Case Description  We report the case of a 17-year-old boy involved in a vehicular accident. Clinical images showed dorsal dislocation of all four ulnar CMC joints of the left hand associated with a fracture of the base of the fourth metacarpal. Although closed reduction was attempted immediately, the affected joints remained unstable and easily redislocated. Therefore, we performed open reduction and percutaneous fixation of all ulnar CMCs. He showed excellent recovery after 1 year postoperatively, reported no pain, and demonstrated complete grip strength and range of motion of the affected wrist and fingers. Literature Review  Accurate clinical diagnosis of this lesion is difficult because of polytrauma, severe swelling masking the dislocated CMC joint deformity, and overlapping of adjacent metacarpals and carpal bones on radiographic examination. As for the treatment strategy, it has yet to obtain a consensus. Some reports value open reduction to guarantee anatomical reduction, and it is definitely needed in the patients with interposed tissues to be removed or with subacute and chronic injuries. Clinical Relevance  Delayed diagnosis or treatment could lead to poor outcomes. Therefore, surgeons must be aware that precise preoperative assessment is critical, and anatomical open reduction of interposed bony fragments, like our case, may be required even in an acute phase.

Plate versus Kirschner wire fixation in treatment of fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations with unsatisfactory closed reduction commonly require later open reduction and internal fixation. However, the optimal method of internal fixation for these is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine through objective clinical measures which method is superior for fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations: a K-wire or a plate.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of hospital records of patients who had received treatment for fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations at one hospital between May 2007 and May 2015. A total of 86 patients who had received open reduction either with plate or K-wire fixation were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were collected. Patients received standardised clinical tests one year after fixation. Clinical outcomes included tests of grip strength and scores on the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand. Student's t tests and Chi-square tests were used to statistically evaluate whether plate or K-wire fixation was superior on the clinical variables.

RESULTS

The two groups were statistically indistinguishable on their demographic and clinical characteristics. Generally, the clinical outcomes of internal fixation were satisfactory. The average DASH and MHQ scores of the K-wire group were superior to those of the plate group (DASH 2.3 versus 9.8, P = 0.01; MHQ 96.7 versus 86.6, P = 0.02). Grip strength was not significantly different between the two groups (89.5 ± 5.8% versus 90.1 ± 4.9%, P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

This non-randomly controlled, retrospective study suggests that clinical outcomes after K-wire fixation is superior to plate fixation for fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations. This is especially the case for hand functions related to work. The present results suggest that K-wire fixation is the gold-standard technique for the treatment of fourth and fifth CMC fracture-dislocations.

Management algorithm for index through small finger carpometacarpal fracture dislocations

PURPOSE

Injuries to the carpometacarpal (CMC) joints are rare. The most common CMC fracture dislocations occur in the ring and small finger CMC joints. The aim of this study was to review the structured diagnostic procedure and different treatment options.

METHODS

We review the importance of early and correct diagnosis in CMC fracture dislocation, because it is needed to ensure pain-free hand function. Moreover, we contrast different therapeutic options, including non-operative and surgical therapy for CMC fracture dislocation.

RESULTS

If a clinical suspicion for a CMC dislocation based on patient examination or radiographic findings exists, then a thin slice CT should be considered. Non-operative treatment is rarely indicated. Surgical treatment may include closed or open reduction efforts. In the case of most fracture dislocations, open reduction is recommended. Fracture fixation may be accomplished with K-wires, mini plates or screws.

CONCLUSION

CMC fracture dislocations of the fourth and fifth CMC joints are uncommon and often overlooked. Primary goal of treatment is to restore normal function to the hand. Therefore, operative therapy might be the method of choice.

The Effect of Timing on the Treatment and Outcome of Combined Fourth and Fifth Carpometacarpal Fracture Dislocations

PURPOSE

In this study, we designed a prospective project to test the hypothesis that acute fourth and fifth carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocations can be treated conservatively with good restoration of strength, range of motion (ROM), and function, whereas patients with delayed treatment of fourth and fifth CMC fracture dislocations should be treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

METHODS

We evaluated the results of 20 patients with acute and 6 patients with subacute fourth and fifth CMC fracture dislocations. All 20 acute CMC fracture dislocations were treated conservatively, whereas 3 of the 6 patients with subacute injuries underwent operative intervention. The sensibility, ROM, and grip strength of the hands were tested during 1-year follow-up. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire and control radiographs were also taken.

RESULTS

All 20 patients with acute CMC fracture dislocations showed good restoration of grip strength, ROM, and function, with an average Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score of 98 ± 2 at 1-year follow-up. Patients with delayed diagnosis who underwent conservative treatment had noticeable deformity of their injured hands, pain complaints, limited ROM at the fourth and fifth CMC joints, and decreased grip strength. The 3 patients with delayed diagnosis treated with ORIF showed good restoration of grip strength, ROM, and function.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute CMC fracture dislocations can be treated by closed reduction with good restoration of grip strength, ROM, and function. In patients with delayed presentation of CMC fracture dislocations, we recommend ORIF.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Fracture-dislocations of the carpometacarpal joints of the ring and little finger

We report the functional and radiographic results of 16 patients with fracture-dislocations of the ring and little finger carpometacarpal joints and 23 cases with fracture-dislocations of only the little finger carpometacarpal joint treated between 2006 and 2012. The above two cohort populations of patients were treated with either open reduction and pin fixation or closed reduction and pin fixation. These patients were followed for a mean of 13 months (range 9 to 48). The DASH scores for patients with fracture-dislocations of the ring and little finger carpometacarpal joints were 6.0 and of the little finger carpometacarpal joint 7.2. We found no functional differences in term of DASH scores after treatment between patients with fracture-dislocations of only the little finger carpometacarpal joint and both the ring and little finger carpometacarpal joints.