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Chiu YC, Ho TY, Hsu CE, Yeh CW, Ting YN, Tsai MT, Hsu JT. Biomechanical analysis of plate versus K-wire fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures with wedge-shaped bone defects. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:350. [PMID: 38702748 PMCID: PMC11067226 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metacarpal shaft fracture is a common type of hand fracture. Numerous studies have explored fixing transverse fractures in the midshaft of the metacarpal bone. However, this section of the metacarpal bone is often susceptible to high-energy injury, resulting in comminuted fracture or bone loss. In such cases, wedge-shaped bone defects can develop in the metacarpal shaft, increasing the difficulty of performing fracture fixation. Notably, the research on this type of fracture fixation is limited. This study compared the abilities of four fixation methods to fix metacarpal shaft fractures with wedge-shaped bone defects. METHODS In total, 28 artificial metacarpal bones were used. To create wedge-shaped bone defects, an electric saw was used to create metacarpal shaft fractures at the midshaft of each bone. The artificial metacarpal bones were then divided into four groups for fixation. The bones in the first group were fixed with a dorsal locked plate (DP group), those in the second group were fixed with a volar locked plate (VP group), and those in the third group were fixed by combining dorsal and volar locked plates (DP + VP group), and those in the fourth group were fixed with two K-wires (2 K group). Cantilever bending tests were conducted using a material testing machine to measure yielding force and stiffness. The four groups' fixation capabilities were then assessed through analysis of variance and Tukey's test. RESULTS The DP + VP group (164.1±44.0 N) achieved a significantly higher yielding force relative to the 2 K group (50.7 ± 8.9 N); the DP group (13.6 ± 3.0 N) and VP group (12.3 ± 1.0 N) did not differ significantly in terms of yielding force, with both achieving lower yielding forces relative to the DP + VP group and 2 K group. The DP + VP group (19.8±6.3 N/mm) achieved the highest level of stiffness, and the other three groups did not differ significantly in terms of stiffness (2 K group, 5.4 ± 1.1 N/mm; DP group, 4.0 ± 0.9 N/mm; VP group, 3.9 ± 1.9 N/mm). CONCLUSIONS The fixation method involving the combined use of dorsal and volar locked plates (DP + VP group) resulted in optimal outcomes with respect to fixing metacarpal shaft fractures with volar wedge bone defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Cheng Chiu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Ho
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-En Hsu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
- Sports Recreation and Health Management Continuing Studies-Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, Tunghai University, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Wei Yeh
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nien Ting
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tzu Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung, 433, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ting Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
- School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
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Ho TY, Hsu CE, Wang WC, Ting YN, Tsai MT, Chiu YC, Hsu JT. Biomechanical study of the fixation ability of the dorsal and volar locking plate for transverse metacarpal neck fractures. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34981. [PMID: 37682204 PMCID: PMC10489259 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Metacarpal neck fracture is one of the most common types of hand fractures; the literature suggests that applying a bone plate on the dorsal side provides higher fixation strength than that provided by other fixation methods. However, bone plate fixation on the dorsal side may result in postoperative tendon adhesion. So far, no studies have investigated the fixation of metacarpal neck fractures on the volar side by using a bone plate. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in the fixation results between bone plate fixation on the dorsal side and bone plate fixation on the volar side of the metacarpal in the case of a metacarpal neck fracture. A saw blade was used to create a transverse metacarpal neck fracture on 14 artificial metacarpal bone specimens. The specimens were divided into 2 groups depending on the fixation method: a volar locking plate (VLP) group and a dorsal locking plate (DLP) group. All specimens were subjected to a cantilever bending test on a material testing system, and a force-displacement curve was used to measure the yield force and stiffness, which served as an indicator of the fixation ability of the 2 fracture fixation methods. For the experimental results, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the fixation abilities of the 2 fixation methods. In terms of yield force, the DLP group (266.9 ± 68.3 N) scored significantly higher than the VLP group (32.6 ± 2.7 N) (P < .05); expressed in terms of median, the DLP group scored 8.2 times higher than the VLP group. Similarly, in terms of stiffness, the DLP group (69.0 ± 13.4 N/mm, median ± interquartile range) scored significantly higher than the VLP group (12.9 ± 1.4 N/mm) (P < .05); expressed in terms of median, the DLP group scored 5.3 times higher than the VLP group. The fixation strength of volar bone plates is only about one-third of that of dorsal bone plates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Yu Ho
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-En Hsu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Sports Recreation and Health Management Continuing Studies-Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chih Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nien Ting
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tzu Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Cheng Chiu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ting Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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3
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Biomechanical analysis of new cross locking plates for metacarpal neck fracture. J Med Biol Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-022-00713-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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4
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Kim CH, Kim DH, Kang HV, Kim WJ, Shin M, Kim JW. Factors affecting healing following percutaneous intramedullary fixation of metacarpal fractures. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27968. [PMID: 34918646 PMCID: PMC8677924 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although percutaneous intramedullary nailing of metacarpal fractures is a straightforward and reliable technique, it is not without complications, and patients experience different outcomes. This study analyzed factors affecting fracture healing time and complication rates in patients who underwent percutaneous intramedullary fixation of metacarpal fractures.This study was a retrospective review of the 25 patients who underwent retrograde percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) nailing for fracture of the metacarpal shaft or neck at a military hospital between May 2016 and October 2018. Correlation study and multiple regression analysis were performed to evaluate variables (age, smoking history in pack-years, body-mass index, fracture site, number of K-wires used) that affect time to bone union. Clinical features of patients with metacarpal neck fractures and those with metacarpal shaft fractures were also compared.The metacarpal shaft fractures (as opposed to metacarpal neck fractures) and higher number of K-wire used were associated with longer time to bone union. Mean union time was significantly longer for metacarpal shaft fracture (8.6 weeks) than for metacarpal neck fracture (6.1 weeks) and for patients who received more K-wires than for those who received less (regression coefficient 1.307). One patient suffered fixation failure and required revision operation, and another experienced superficial infection which was treated with intravenous antibiotics.Percutaneous intramedullary nailing is an effective technique for metacarpal fractures, but fracture site and number of K-wire used affect time to achieve bone union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Dong Hwan Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Han-Vit Kang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Won Jun Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minkyu Shin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Ji Wan Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University, College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Chiu YC, Hsu CE, Ho TY, Ting YN, Wei BH, Tsai MT, Hsu JT. Comparison of the fixation ability of headless compression screws and locking plate for metacarpal shaft transverse fracture. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27375. [PMID: 34596154 PMCID: PMC8483876 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metacarpal shaft fractures are common hand fractures. Although bone plates possess strong fixation ability, they have several limitations. The use of headless compression screws for fracture repair has been reported, but their fixation ability has not been understood clearly.This study aimed to compare the fixation ability of locked plate with that of headless compression screw for metacarpal fracture repair.A total of 14 artificial metacarpal bones (Sawbones, Vashon, WA, USA) were subjected to transverse metacarpal shaft fractures and divided into 2 groups. The first group of bones was fixed using locked plates (LP group), whereas the second group was fixed using headless compression screws (HC group). A material testing machine was used to perform cantilever bending tests, whereby maximum fracture force and stiffness were measured. The fixation methods were compared by conducting a Mann-Whitney U test.The maximum fracture force of the HC group (285.6 ± 57.3 N, median + interquartile range) was significantly higher than that of the LP group (227.8 ± 37.5 N; P < .05). The median of the HC group was 25.4% greater. However, no significant difference in stiffness (P > .05) was observed between the HC (65.2 ± 24.6 N/mm) and LP (61.7 ± 19.7 N/mm) groups.Headless compression screws exhibited greater fixability than did locked plates, particularly in its resistance to maximum fracture force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Cheng Chiu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-En Hsu
- Department of Orthopedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Sports Recreation and Health Management Continuing Studies-Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Ho
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nien Ting
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Han Wei
- Orthopedic Department, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tzu Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jui-Ting Hsu
- School of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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6
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Geada LR, Cochrane S, Schroeder C, Luscia C, Mir H, Daniali L, Pulikkottil BJ. Intramedullary Metacarpal Screw Fracture Fixation: A Retrospective Review of the Rehabilitation Literature and an Illustrative Case Report With a Postoperative Therapy Protocol. Ann Plast Surg 2021; 86:S460-S462. [PMID: 33512820 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Intramedullary metacarpal screw fixation has shown promising results and quick functional recovery with the proper postoperative rehabilitation. The rehabilitative process after this procedure has not been compared across literature. A retrospective review of literature was used to recommend a therapy timeline, activity and recommendations to allow for proper postoperative rehabilitation for optimal results. An illustrative case report is presented to explain technique and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis R Geada
- From the Department of General Surgery, Kendall Regional Medical Hospital, Miami, FL
| | - Shannon Cochrane
- Program in Occupational Therapy, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Carol Schroeder
- Burn and Reconstructive Centers of Colorado, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO
| | - Chris Luscia
- Burn and Reconstructive Centers of Colorado, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO
| | - Haaris Mir
- Department of Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Kendall Regional Medical Hospital, Miami, FL
| | - Lily Daniali
- Burn and Reconstructive Centers of Colorado, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO
| | - Benson J Pulikkottil
- Burn and Reconstructive Centers of Colorado, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO
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7
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Chiu YC, Ho TY, Ting YN, Tsai MT, Huang HL, Hsu CE, Hsu JT. Effect of oblique headless compression screw fixation for metacarpal shaft fracture: a biomechanical in vitro study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:146. [PMID: 33546670 PMCID: PMC7866681 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03939-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metacarpal shaft fracture is a common fracture in hand trauma injuries. Surgical intervention is indicated when fractures are unstable or involve considerable displacement. Current fixation options include Kirschner wire, bone plates, and intramedullary headless screws. Common complications include joint stiffness, tendon irritation, implant loosening, and cartilage damage. Objective We propose a modified fixation approach using headless compression screws to treat transverse or short-oblique metacarpal shaft fracture. Materials and methods We used a saw blade to model transverse metacarpal neck fractures in 28 fresh porcine metacarpals, which were then treated with the following four fixation methods: (1) locked plate with five locked bicortical screws (LP group), (2) regular plate with five bicortical screws (RP group), (3) two Kirschner wires (K group), and (4) a headless compression screw (HC group). In the HC group, we proposed a novel fixation model in which the screw trajectory was oblique to the long axis of the metacarpal bone. The entry point of the screw was in the dorsum of the metacarpal neck, and the exit point was in the volar cortex of the supracondylar region; thus, the screw did not damage the articular cartilage. The specimens were tested using a modified three-point bending test on a material testing system. The maximum fracture forces and stiffness values of the four fixation types were determined by observing the force–displacement curves. Finally, the Kruskal–Wallis test was adopted to process the data, and the exact Wilcoxon rank sum test with Bonferroni adjustment was performed to conduct paired comparisons among the groups. Results The maximum fracture forces (median ± interquartile range [IQR]) of the LP, RP, HC, and K groups were 173.0 ± 81.0, 156.0 ± 117.9, 60.4 ± 21.0, and 51.8 ± 60.7 N, respectively. In addition, the stiffness values (median ± IQR) of the LP, HC, RP, and K groups were 29.6 ± 3.0, 23.1 ± 5.2, 22.6 ± 2.8, and 14.7 ± 5.6 N/mm, respectively. Conclusion Headless compression screw fixation provides fixation strength similar to locked and regular plates for the fixation of metacarpal shaft fractures. The headless screw was inserted obliquely to the long axis of the metacarpal bone. The entry point of the screw was in the dorsum of the metacarpal neck, and the exit point was in the volar cortex of the supracondylar region; therefore the articular cartilage iatrogenic injury can be avoidable. This modified fixation method may prevent tendon irritation and joint cartilage violation caused by plating and intramedullary headless screw fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Cheng Chiu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Ho
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nien Ting
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tzu Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China, 433
| | - Heng-Li Huang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-En Hsu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No. 1650, Sec. 4 Taiwan Boulevard, Situng Dist., Taichung City, 407, Taiwan (Republic of China). .,Sports Recreation and Health Management Continuing Studies-Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, Tunghai University, Taichung, 407, Taiwan.
| | - Jui-Ting Hsu
- School of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan. .,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan.
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Labèr R, Jann D, Behm P, Ferguson SJ, Frueh FS, Calcagni M. Intramedullary screw fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures: a biomechanical human cadaver study. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2020; 45:595-600. [PMID: 31948331 DOI: 10.1177/1753193419898066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Intramedullary cannulated compression screws have been introduced for the fixation of unstable metacarpal fractures. In the present study, this technique was compared with dorsal compression plating to evaluate its biomechanical performance in stabilizing metacarpal shaft fractures. In a first set of experiments, the biomechanical characteristics of the screws were analysed in an artificial bone model. In subsequent experiments, midshaft osteotomies were performed in human cadaver metacarpals, followed by plating or intramedullary screw osteosynthesis. The metacarpals were tested to failure in cantilever bending, following a stepwise increasing cyclic loading protocol. We found a significantly lower load at failure and a significantly lower number of cycles to failure in the intramedullary screw group, but both methods offered sufficient stability under these loads. With reference to published loads on the metacarpals during use of the hand, we conclude that intramedullary osteosynthesis yields sufficient strength and stiffness for early active motion. A difference in its fixation stability is noted compared with plate fixation, which may not be clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Labèr
- Division of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Jann
- Division of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Behm
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Florian S Frueh
- Division of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Calcagni
- Division of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Vercio RC, Anderson M, Thomas A, Inceoglu S, Wongworawat MD. K-wire Pull-Out Force After Multiple Redirection Attempts. J Hand Surg Am 2018; 43:1081-1084. [PMID: 31366445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate if redirecting a Kirschner wire (K-wire) through the same proximal hole will weaken the pull-out force and to test if multiple redirections will result in a continued stepwise decrease in pull-out force. METHODS An Instron was used to test the pull-out force of K-wires using the peak initial failure load as a measure of failure of K-wire fixation. K-wires 0.062 inches in diameter were inserted with an angled drill guide into a bicortical bone substrate. Trials were divided into 7 groups with the first group having the K-wires placed through both cortices and then tested without redirection. In groups 2-6, the K-wire was placed bicortically and then withdrawn and redirected through the same proximal hole with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 redirections. A control group in which the K-wire was only unicortical was also tested. RESULTS Compared with the control group of no redirects, any number of redirections weakened the pull-out force. There was no difference between redirected groups and the unicortical group. When comparing between redirections, there were no significant differences in pull-out force. Regression analysis showed that, after the first redirection, there was no stepwise change in pull-out force with additional redirection. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant decrease in pull-out force with any redirections, but there was no stepwise decrease in failure force after multiple redirections. The failure force of any redirection was similar to a unicortically placed wire. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Any K-wire redirection attempts in hand bone fixation can result in a considerably weakened construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Vercio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA.
| | - Mark Anderson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Alexander Thomas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Serkan Inceoglu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA
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10
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Chiu YC, Tsai MT, Hsu CE, Hsu HC, Huang HL, Hsu JT. New fixation approach for transverse metacarpal neck fracture: a biomechanical study. J Orthop Surg Res 2018; 13:183. [PMID: 30045774 PMCID: PMC6060459 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-018-0890-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fifth metacarpal neck fracture, also known as boxer’s fracture, is the most common metacarpal fracture. Percutaneous Kirschner-wire (K-wire) pinning has been shown to produce favorable clinical results. However, the fixation power of K-wires is a major concern. Plate fixation is also a surgical option, but it has the disadvantages of tendon adhesion, requirement of secondary surgery for removal of the implant, and postoperative joint stiffness. A fixation method that causes little soft tissue damage and provides high biomechanical stability is required for patients with fifth metacarpal neck fracture for whom surgical intervention is indicated. The present study proposed fixation using K-wires and a cerclage wire to treat fifth metacarpal neck fracture. The fixation power of this new method was compared with that of K-wires alone and plates. Methods We used a saw blade to create transverse metacarpal neck fractures in 16 artificial metacarpal bone specimens, which were then treated with four types of fixation as follows: (1) locking plate with five locking bicortical screws (LP group), (2) regular plate with five bicortical screws (RP group), (3) two K-wires (K group), and (4) two K-wires and a figure-of-eight cerclage wire (KW group). The specimens were tested by using cantilever bending testing on a material testing system. The stiffness of the four fixation types was determined by observing force–displacement curves. Finally, the Kruskal–Wallis test was adopted to process the data, and the Mann–Whitney exact test was performed to conduct paired comparison between the fixation types. Results The fixation strength levels of the four fixation approaches for treating fifth metacarpal neck fracture were ranked in a descending order of LP group (24.6 ± 5.1 N/mm, median ± interquartile range) > RP group (22.2 ± 5.8 N/mm) ≅ KW group (20.1 ± 3.2 N/mm) > K group (16.9 ± 3.0 N/mm). Conclusion The fixation strength of two K-wires was significantly higher when reinforcement was provided using a figure-of-eight cerclage wire. The strength of the proposed approach is similar to that of a regular plate with five bicortical screws but weaker than that of a locking plate with the same amount of bicortical screws. Cerclage wire-integrated K-wires can be an alternative method that avoids the excessive soft tissue dissection required for plating in open reduction internal fixation for fifth metacarpal neck fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Cheng Chiu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Tzu Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung, 433, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-En Hsu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 407, Taiwan.,Sports Recreation and Health Management Continuing Studies-Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, Tunghai University, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Chaung Hsu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Heng-Li Huang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ting Hsu
- School of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan. .,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan.
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11
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Poggetti A, Nucci AM, Giesen T, Calcagni M, Marchetti S, Lisanti M. Percutaneous Intramedullary Headless Screw Fixation and Wide-Awake Anesthesia to Treat Metacarpal Fractures: Early Results in 25 Patients. J Hand Microsurg 2018; 10:16-21. [PMID: 29706731 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1618911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metacarpal fractures constitute 7.8% of the upper extremity fractures. The common treatments remain nonsurgical procedure, but high-demanding patients or unstable fractures require fixation with Kirschner wire (K-wires), plate, and screws. However, these approaches may cause scarring and adhesion with poor functional results. From 2014 to 2015, the authors used an intramedullary headless screw to treat 25 patients (24 men, 1 woman) with metacarpal bones fractures (20 V, 3 IV, 1 III, and 1 II). The fractures patterns were 23 fractures of distal third of metacarpal bone (16 oblique, 5 comminute configurations, and 2 transverse), 1 fracture of the base of the II metacarpal bone. One case presented a multiple metacarpal and phalangeal facture associated. The authors used wide-awake anesthesia (bupivacaine-epinephrine 1:100,000) and intramedullary titanium headless screw fixation percutaneously inserted (CCS Medartis and HCS Synthes 3 mm of diameter). No open reduction was needed. Early active mobilization started with a buddy strapping soon after surgery (0-3 days). The authors followed all patients until satisfactory function was achieved (4-6 weeks) and recorded the time till return to work. All fracture healed with less than 5 degrees of rotational or axial deformities. All patients return to work within 2.38 weeks after surgery (0.5-6 weeks). No cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), tendon lesions, nerve injuries, infection, hardware protruding, or mobilization were reported. Intramedullary screw fixation with wide-awake anesthesia for transverse, oblique, and select comminuted fractures treatment metacarpal fractures represent a reliable option to early active mobilization recovery and a quick return to the work and ordinary activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Poggetti
- Orthopaedic and Trauma Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Nucci
- Orthopaedic and Trauma Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Thomas Giesen
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Calcagni
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Marchetti
- Orthopaedic and Trauma Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Lisanti
- Orthopaedic and Trauma Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Beutel BG, Ayalon O, Kennedy OD, Lendhey M, Capo JT, Melamed E. Crossed K-Wires Versus Intramedullary Headless Screw Fixation of Unstable Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Biomechanical Study. THE IOWA ORTHOPAEDIC JOURNAL 2018; 38:153-157. [PMID: 30104939 PMCID: PMC6047383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intramedullary headless screw (IMHS) has shown promise as an alternative to other fixation devices for metacarpal neck fractures. The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical performance of IMHS versus the commonly-used crossed K-wire technique. We hypothesized that IMHS fixation provides superior stability to K-wires. METHODS A metacarpal neck fracture model in 23 human cadaveric metacarpals was created. The specimens were divided into two groups based upon fixation method: Group 1, 3 mm intramedullary headless screw; and Group 2, 0.045 inch crossed K-wires. A cantilever bending model was used to assess load-to-failure (LTF), maximum displacement, energy absorption, and stiffness. RESULTS The mean LTF was 70.6 ± 30.1 N for IMHS and 97.5 ± 34.7 N for crossed K-wires. Mean stiffness was 11.3 ± 3.4 N/mm and 17.7 ± 7.8 N/mm for IMHS and crossed K-wires, respectively. The mean maximum displacement was 20.2 ± 4.6 mm for IMHS and 24.1 ± 3.7 mm for crossed K-wires. Moreover, mean energy absorption was 778.3 ± 528.9 Nmm and 1095.9 ± 454.4 Nmm, respectively, for IMHS and crossed K-wires. Crossed K-wires demonstrated significantly higher stiffness and maximum displacement than IMHS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS IMHS fixation of unstable metacarpal neck fractures offers less stability compared to crossed K-wires when loaded in bending. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Crossed K-wires offer superior stability for the treatment of metacarpal neck fractures. These results reveal that IMHS fixation is less favorable biomechanically and should be cautiously selected with regards to fracture stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G Beutel
- The Hand Surgery Center, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY
| | - Omri Ayalon
- Division of Hand Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Oran D Kennedy
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matin Lendhey
- Musculoskeletal Research Center, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, NY
| | - John T Capo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City, NJ
| | - Eitan Melamed
- Division of Hand Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, NY
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Headless Compression Screw Versus Kirschner Wire Fixation for Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Biomechanical Study. J Hand Surg Am 2017; 42:392.e1-392.e6. [PMID: 28359640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the biomechanical stability of headless compression screws in the fixation of metacarpal neck fractures and to compare them with another common, less invasive form of fixation, K-wires. The hypothesis was that headless compression screws would show higher stiffness and peak load to failure than K-wire fixation. METHODS Eight matched-paired hands (n = 31), using the ring and little finger metacarpals, had metacarpal fractures simulated at the physeal scar. Each group was stabilized with either a 3.5-mm headless compression screw or 2 0.045-in (1.1-mm) K-wires. Nineteen metacarpals were tested in 3-point bending and 12 in axial loading. Peak load to failure and stiffness were calculated from the load displacement curve. Bone mineral density was recorded for each specimen. RESULTS Bone mineral density was similar in the 2 groups tested for 3-point bending and axial loading. Stiffness was not significantly different in 3-point bending for headless compression screws and K-wires (means, 141.3 vs 194.5 N/mm) but it was significant in axial loading (means, 178.0 vs 111.6 N/mm). Peak load to failure was significantly higher in headless compression screws in 3-point bending (means, 401.2 vs 205.3 N) and axial loading (means, 467.5 vs 198.3 N). CONCLUSIONS Compared with K-wires, headless compression screws for metacarpal neck fractures are biomechanically superior in load to failure, 3-point bending, and axial loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Headless compression screws demonstrate excellent biomechanical stability in metacarpal neck fractures. In conjunction with promising clinical studies, these data suggest that headless compression screws may be an option for treating metacarpal neck fractures.
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