Mini-plate versus Kirschner wire internal fixation for treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures

Comparison of mini-plate versus Kirschner wire internal fixation for fifth metacarpal basal fractures with carpometacarpal joint dislocation

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of mini-plate versus Kirschner wire (K-wire) internal fixation for treating fifth metacarpal basal fractures with carpometacarpal joint dislocation.

METHOD

A total of 46 patients with fifth metacarpal basal fractures combined with carpometacarpal joint dislocation were divided into two groups. The control group received K-wire fixation, while the observation group underwent mini-plate fixation. We assessed treatment effectiveness, surgical parameters, range of motion, serum stress markers, quality of life scores, and postoperative complication rates. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing postoperative joint function.

RESULTS

The observation group demonstrated a significantly higher excellent and good rate compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the observation group had a lower intraoperative bleeding volume, shorter incision lengths, and faster fracture healing times, all significant differences (all P<0.05). Postoperative assessments indicated that range of motion, quality of life scores, and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly improved in the observation group (P<0.05). Conversely, cortisol, angiotensin II, and norepinephrine levels, along with the incidence of postoperative complications, were lower in the observation group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified the surgical method as an independent factor affecting postoperative metacarpal joint function (OR = 0.16, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Mini-plate internal fixation is superior to K-wire fixation for the treatment of fifth metacarpal basal fractures with carpometacarpal joint dislocation. It promotes faster fracture healing, reduces serum stress markers, enhances joint mobility and quality of life, and decreases postoperative complications.

Percutaneous transverse pinning for metacarpal fractures: a clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Metacarpal fractures account for 25%-50% of all hand fractures and may negatively impact hand function and ability to work. Percutaneous transverse pinning of non-articular metacarpal fractures allows mobilisation immediately after the procedure.

METHODS

Between March 2017 and February 2022, 56 patients undergoing percutaneous transverse pinning for unstable metacarpal fractures were prospectively recruited. We investigated surgical outcomes in terms of Patient-rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) and pre-and post-operative radiographic evaluation. The Student t-test was used to compare the means of PRWHE values after surgery. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age was 40.21 ± 17.9 years (range of 16 to 86 years). The average operating time was 27.96 min. The mean follow-up period was 14.3 ± 6.4 months (from 2 to 41 months). The mean PRWHE score was 6.5 ± 1.8. None of the patients had clinically observable rotational deformities, and the functional outcomes were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transverse pinning for non-articular metacarpal fractures restores excellent function, and imaging results are satisfactory. Further high-quality clinical trials are required to validate these results on a larger scale.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, prospective cohort study.

Intramedullary K-wires versus Alternate Techniques for Metacarpal Shaft and Neck Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Intramedullary K-wire (IMKW) fixation is one of the mainstays for surgically treating metacarpal shaft and neck fractures. However, there remains a lack of literature comparing outcomes of the various available surgical repair techniques in all indicated metacarpals. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the clinical advantages and drawbacks of IMKW compared with alternate fracture repair techniques. A comprehensive systematic literature review was performed to identify studies that compared clinical outcomes of IMKW to alternate metacarpal fixation modalities. Outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH/ quick DASH) scores, grip strength, union rate, visual analog scale pain, operative time, and complications. A random-effects model was used to compare IMKW to the pooled effect of other fixation techniques. A total of 10 studies were included in our analysis, comprising 497 metacarpal fractures (220 shafts and 277 necks). IMKW fixation was identified as the control group in all studies. The pooled experimental group included plates, transverse K-wires (TKWs), interfragmentary screws (IFSs), and K-wire cross-pinning (CP). In treating metacarpal shaft fractures, IMKW showed significantly shorter operative time ( p  = 0.04; mean difference = - 13; 95% confidence interval = -26 to -0.64). No significant differences were observed in treating metacarpal neck fractures for disability, grip strength, healing rate, pain, operative time, or complication rate. This systematic review and meta-analysis found no difference in clinical outcomes among various surgical techniques for treating metacarpal shaft and neck fractures. Further high evidence studies are required that investigate the efficacy and safety of IFS, CP, TKW, and intramedullary screws versus IMKW for treating closed, unstable metacarpal fractures.

Metacarpal fractures

Metacarpal fractures are common and can be functionally disabling. The majority are managed non-operatively. When surgical intervention is indicated, various methods of fixation are available with the utility of each being based on injury pattern, patient function and surgeon preference. Early mobilization, especially in case of open reduction and internal fixation, is a critical component of treatment to prevent stiffness and restore function. When possible, a fixation construct that can withstand the applied forces of early postoperative motion is chosen. We provide an updated description for diagnosis, treatment options and operative fixation for metacarpal fractures.

Fractures of the phalanges

Fractures of the phalanges encompass a wide range of injury patterns with variable articular and soft tissue involvement. The goals of treatment whether conservative or surgical are the restoration of function while limiting the risk of complications. An armamentarium of fixation options allows the surgeon to appropriately treat these fractures with the intention of initiating early postoperative mobilization. Previous publications report variable rates of complications following internal fixation of phalangeal fractures which represents an unsolved problem. It is incumbent on the surgeon to utilize meticulous surgical technique, achieve anatomic reduction with stable fixation and initiate early postoperative mobilization where indicated. In the following text, we review the management of most types of phalangeal fractures, except fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. These injuries comprise a wide spectrum of presentation; thus, an understanding of anatomical and mechanical principles is integral to achieving a successful outcome.

New technique for the treatment of fresh bony mallet finger: A retrospective case series study

Background

The bony mallet finger is a tear fracture of the extensor tendon, resulting in a flexion deformity of the finger, which affects both the function of the finger. The classical Ishiguro's method is associated with damage to the cartilage of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and always lead to the joint stiffness. This paper explores a new technique to overcome the shortcomings of the classical Ishiguro's method and achieve better clinical efficacy.

Methods

We examined 15 patients with bony mallet fingers, 9 males and 6 females, from February 2020 to June 2022, ranged from 23 to 58 years, including 1 case of index finger, 5 cases of middle finger, 3 cases of ring finger and 6 cases of little finger. The median course of the injury to surgery was 2 days (range, 1∼7 days). All had fresh closed injuries, according to the Wehbe and Schneider classification: 4 cases of type IA, 6 cases of type IB, 3 cases of type IIA and 2 cases of type IIB. All patients were treated surgically by the new technique. Post-operative follow-up was conducted to record the healing of the fracture, the pain of the affected finger and the function of joint movement.

Results

The 15 cases were followed up after surgery. The median active range of motion was 65° (range, 55∼75°). The median extension deficit of DIP joint was 0° (range, 0∼11°). The median clinical healing time of the fracture was 6 weeks (range, 6∼10 weeks). None of the patients experienced significant pain. The patients were assessed according to the Crawford criteria at the final follow-up: 11 cases were assessed as excellent, 3 cases were assessed as good and 1 case was assessed as fair. No loss of fracture repositioning, loosening of internal fixation, skin necrosis or infection was observed.

Conclusion

The application of the new technique for the treatment of bony mallet fingers has the advantages of good stability, fracture healing and functional recovery of the DIP joint, making it an ideal surgical procedure for the treatment of fresh bony mallet fingers.

Study of double button plate and cannulated screw fixation for posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture

Background

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the knee joint. To date, researchers have not reached agreement on which type of fixation material should be used to treat PCL tibial avulsion fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of double button plate and cannulated screw fixation in the treatment of PCL avulsion fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our database, which was collected prospectively. From January 2019 to January 2020, 46 patients with posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures who were treated with double button plate and cannulated screw fixation. The primary outcomes of this study were surgical complications (fixation failure/displacement, implant breakage, nonunion, infection), radiological parameters, and knee function and secondary outcomes included reoperation rates for the fixation methods and the prevalence of symptomatic hardware causing soft tissue irritation outcomes were included. Values were analysed using multiple comparisons, where P-values of 0.05 or less were considered significant.

Results

Double button plate fixation had significantly higher values than cannulated screw fixation. The results showed that double button plate fixation was related to greater decreases in the length of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, hospital days, full weight bearing time, and incidence of complications, as well as greater increases in postoperative range of motion and Knee Society Score function and Lysholm scores.

Conclusion

Compared with cannulated screw fixation, the use of double button plate fixation technology has the following advantages: less trauma, shorter operation time, convenient use of instruments and fixtures, and it does not need to be removed, thus avoiding secondary trauma. Moreover, double button plate fixation under direct vision is safe and reliable without the need for additional equipment.

Effect of Joint Use of External Minifixator and Titanium Lockplate on Total Active Motion Range and Hand Function Recovery in Comminuted Metacarpal and Phalanx Fracture Patients

Objective

To explore the effect of joint use of external minifixator and titanium lockplate on total active motion (TAM) range and hand function recovery in comminuted metacarpal and phalanx fracture patients.

Methods

The medical data of 70 patients with comminuted metacarpal and phalanx fracture treated in our hospital from June 2017 to June 2020 were screened for the retrospective study, and the patients were divided into the control group (Kirschner wire internal fixation) and the study group (an external minifixator with titanium lockplate) according to the treatment modalities, with 35 cases each. After treatment, the clinical efficacy of patients was compared between the two groups.

Results

No between-group differences in patients' general data were observed (P > 0.05); the time for hospital stay and fracture healing was obviously shorter in the study group than that in the control group (P < 0.05); after treatment, the study group obtained significantly higher TAM range good rate (P < 0.05), significantly higher Carroll hand function test pass rate (P < 0.05), and obviously better grip strength of both hands and score on digital opposition of thumb than those in the control group (P < 0.05); and after surgery, the study group had significantly lower incidence rates of complications such as infection, local inflammation, displacement of bone, and adhesion of tendon that those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Joint use of an external minifixator and titanium lockplate can effectively promote the TAM range and accelerate hand function recovery for comminuted metacarpal and phalanx fracture patients and is conducive to reducing the incidence of postoperative complications, which is safe and has significant efficacy.