Empirical Analysis and Modern Research of Zhenwutang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Zhenwutang is the classic formula of Wenyang Lishui in " <italic>Treatise on Febrile Diseases</italic>" . It consists of five kinds of medicines, namely Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, Paeoniae Radix Alba or Paeoniae Radix Rubra. It has been included in the <italic>Catalogue of Ancient Classics</italic> (<italic>The First Batch</italic>) issued by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2018.There are two articles in the " <italic>Treatise on Febrile Disease</italic>s" about the syndromes of Zhenwutang. On the basis of Article 82 of the Chapter of Taiyang disease, the Taiyang disease is demonstrated by sweating, but after that the patient still suffers from fever, epigastric throb, dizziness and shiver, this shall be treated with Zhenwutang. According to Article 316 of the chapter of Shaoyin disease, Shaoyin disease lasts for two or three days, until the fourth and fifth days, and is demonstrated by abdominal pain, difficult urination, severe pain in the limbs and diarrhea, the patient have a cough, diuresis, diarrhea and vomit, this shall be treated with Zhenwutang. The original texts discuss the basic pathogenesis is edema syndrome due to Yin and Yang deficiency, with symptoms of unfavorable urination, heavy limbs or edema, pale tongue, white moss and heavy pulse as dialectical points. In terms of the compatibility of prescriptions, usage and dosage, and the interpretation of prescriptions, this paper examines Zhenwutang syndromes in " Treatise on Febrilediseases" , summarizes the material basic research of Zhenwutang, and provides the basis for the quality control of its compound pharmacodynamics. This study summarizes the progress of pharmacological research for Zhenwutang in recent years, finds that Zhenwutang has many efficacies, such as cardiotonic, diuretic, lowering lipid, anti-oxidation, improving renal function and balancing of water and liquid metabolism, lists traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndromes treated with Zhenwutang, such as heart palpitations, edema, cough, abdominal pain, sipping, dizziness, and Western medicine diseases, like congestive heart failure, pulmonary heart disease, bronchial asthma, chronic colitis, cirrhosis, ascites, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic renal failure, benign prostatic hyperplasia and Meniere's syndrome, expounds the principle of Zhenwutang for " treating different diseases with the same therapy" , in order to provide useful reference for the research and development and clinical application of Zhenwutang and more classic prescriptions.

Reversed vascularized second metatarsal flap for reconstruction of Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia with reduced donor site morbidity / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The predominant method for Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia is pollicization. However, for those who are not willing to sacrifice the index finger, a method that could reconstruct a functionally capable and aesthetically acceptable thumb remains desirable. This study aimed to investigate and assess the functional and radiographic outcomes of utilizing a reversed vascularized second metatarsal composite flap for thumb reconstruction as a new alternative.@*METHODS@#From May 2014 to January 2017, 15 patients with Manske type IIIB or IV thumb hypoplasia who were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were included in this study. An osteocutaneous flap containing a section of second metatarsal and its distal head was transferred in reversed position to reconstruct carpometacarpal joint. The donor site was reconstructed by a split half of the third metatarsal. Various functional reconstructions were commenced at second stage. The reconstructed thumbs were evaluated using the Kapandji score, pinch force, and the capacities of performing daily activities through a detailed questionnaire.@*RESULTS@#Among these 15 patients (seven type IIIB and eight type IV), there were ten boys and five girls with median age of 4.2 years (range: 2.0-7.0 years). There were seven right, three left, and five bilateral thumbs for whom only the right thumb received surgery. There were 14 metatarsal flaps survived (14/15). With an average follow-up of 19.2 months, the reconstructed thumbs had acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes and the donor foot presented in decent appearance without signs of impaired function. All 15 children have improved the Kapandji score (from 0 to an average of 6.7), pinch force (from 0 to an average of 1.5 kg), with ability of grip and pen holding. X-ray indicated continuous bone growth. Patients and parents had good acceptance of the new thumb.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Reconstruction of an unstable hypoplastic thumb (Manske type IIIB and IV) with use of a vascularized metatarsal is an effective strategy. It offers an alternative solution for parents insisting on saving the thumb.

Reversed vascularized second metatarsal flap for reconstruction of Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia with reduced donor site morbidity / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The predominant method for Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia is pollicization. However, for those who are not willing to sacrifice the index finger, a method that could reconstruct a functionally capable and aesthetically acceptable thumb remains desirable. This study aimed to investigate and assess the functional and radiographic outcomes of utilizing a reversed vascularized second metatarsal composite flap for thumb reconstruction as a new alternative.@*Methods@#From May 2014 to January 2017, 15 patients with Manske type IIIB or IV thumb hypoplasia who were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were included in this study. An osteocutaneous flap containing a section of second metatarsal and its distal head was transferred in reversed position to reconstruct carpometacarpal joint. The donor site was reconstructed by a split half of the third metatarsal. Various functional reconstructions were commenced at second stage. The reconstructed thumbs were evaluated using the Kapandji score, pinch force, and the capacities of performing daily activities through a detailed questionnaire.@*Results@#Among these 15 patients (seven type IIIB and eight type IV), there were ten boys and five girls with median age of 4.2 years (range: 2.0-7.0 years). There were seven right, three left, and five bilateral thumbs for whom only the right thumb received surgery. There were 14 metatarsal flaps survived (14/15). With an average follow-up of 19.2 months, the reconstructed thumbs had acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes and the donor foot presented in decent appearance without signs of impaired function. All 15 children have improved the Kapandji score (from 0 to an average of 6.7), pinch force (from 0 to an average of 1.5 kg), with ability of grip and pen holding. X-ray indicated continuous bone growth. Patients and parents had good acceptance of the new thumb.@*Conclusions@#Reconstruction of an unstable hypoplastic thumb (Manske type IIIB and IV) with use of a vascularized metatarsal is an effective strategy. It offers an alternative solution for parents insisting on saving the thumb.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Peyronie's disease: A preliminary study of 32 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the clinical effect of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) on Peyronie's disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From October 2016 to December 2017, we treated 32 cases of Peyronie's disease by LI-ESWT, with the therapeutic index of 0.09 mJ/mm2 and a pulse frequency of 120 beats/min. Each plaque was approached from two angles, each angle with a shockwave output of 900 times, and the larger ones from three points, each with an output of 600 times in addition to 300 times from the distal and proximal ends of the plaque, respectively. All the patients received 12 courses of treatment (2 courses a week) with a break of 3 weeks between the 1st and 2nd 6 courses. Then we observed the plague size and penile curvature of the patients, obtained their scores on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5), and recorded their adverse reactions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plagues were softened or diminished in different degrees in 9 of the 32 cases and erectile pain was alleviated in 15 cases after treatment. Penile curvature at erection, however, showed no significant improvement. The IIEF-5 scores were increased in 18 of the patients complicated with varied degrees of erectile dysfunction after LI-ESWT. No obvious complications were observed in any of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy has a certain effect on Peyronie's disease by relieving plague-induced pain and improving the patient's penile erection and quality of life.</p>

Focused low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction: Preliminary observation of 32 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To make a preliminary investigation on the safety and efficacy of focused low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We treated 32 ED patients by focused LI-ESWT with the device of Medispec's ED1000. Before and at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment, we evaluated the erectile function of the patients using the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF), Erection Hardness Score (EHS), Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP2 and SEP3), and Global Assessment Questionnaire questions 1 and 2 (GAQ1 and GAQ2), and recorded the incidence rate of adverse events.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients averaged 30.69 years of age. Compared with the baseline, the mean IIEF-EF score of the patients was significantly increased at 4 and 12 weeks after LI-ESWT (14.94 vs 20.97 and 21.47, P <0.01), and so were the EHS (1.75 vs 2.66 and 2.56, P <0.01) and the "Yes" answers to SEP2 (21.88% vs 68.75% and 71.88%), SEP3 (0 vs 43.75% and 56.25%), GAQ1 (NA vs 81.25% and 71.88%) and GAQ2 (NA vs 65.63% and 68.75%). The total effectiveness rates at 4 weeks and 12 weeks were 75% and 71.88% respectively. One of the patients felt penile shaft pain with mild ecchymosis after LI-ESWT but was recovered without special treatment a week later.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LI-ESWT can significantly improve the erectile function of ED patients with no obvious adverse effects within 12 weeks after treatment.</p>

Study on preparation technology and physical fingerprint of Huanghuai Tablets based on quality by design / 中草药

Objective: To study the prescription and preparation technology of Huanghuai Tablets and evaluate the physical quality of intermediate particles based on quality by design. Methods: Using Huanghuai (Scutellaria baicalensis and Sophora japonica) extract as the main component, the single factor experiments were used to screen adjuvant, and the forming rate, quality difference, hardness, friability, and disintegration time of tablets were used as indicators to optimize the optimal preparation processing of Huanghuai Tablets by wet granulation process. Physical indicators of granules were characterized by using micromeritics evaluation method. The physical fingerprint of granules were constructed by nine indexes including relative homogeneity index, interparticle porosity, Carr index, bulk density, tapped density, loss on drying, hygroscopicity, Hausner ratio, and angle of repose. The granules physical fingerprint is of great importance to evaluate the quality consistency of different batches of Huanghuai granules and analyze the compressibility of the granules. Results: The optimum formula was Huanghuai granule 0.25 g, 7% croscarmellose sodium, and 2% talc powder. The optimum conditions were as follows: granulated with 16 mesh sieve, dried at 60 ℃ for 1 h, and unified with 18 mesh screen. The similarity of the physical fingerprint of five batches of Huanghuai granules was higher than 0.983, the parameters of five batches of particle parameters were all greater than 0.4, and the parameter profile index was 4.82-5.70, and the good pressure index was from 4.44 to 5.25. Conclusion: The prescription and preparation technology of Huanghuai Tablets and the physical quality of intermediate particles were scientific and reasonable, which can provide ideas and methods for the research and development of Chinese materia medica formula.

Optimization of extraction technology from compound Huanghuai based on coagulation activity and central composite design-response surface methodology / 中国中药杂志

To establish a method for the determination of coagulation activity in vitro by using fibrinogen plate method. The extraction route of compound Huanghuai was optimized by selecting thrombin as the reference substance. The comprehensive score of extract yield and the extraction transfer rate of baicalin and rutin was set as the dependent variable, with alcohol concentration, solvent volume and extraction time as the influence factors in central composite design for quadratic fitting, and the extraction process of compound Huanghuai was optimized by using response surface methodology. The results of thrombin concentration and precipitation zone area showed a good linear relationship in 0.4-16 U•mL⁻¹, r=0.997 5. The average recovery rate was 103.8% and the RSD was 4.7 %. The circle of precipitation area of compound Huanghuai combined extract was 38.81 mm², which was bigger than that of fractionated extract. The activity on the daily amount of compound Huanghuai extract was 84.28 U; and the optimum extraction technology was as follows: alcohol concentration 40%, extracted 3 times, the liquid-solid ratio 6∶1, and extraction time 2 h. The predicted value of comprehensive score was 94.26 and the measured value was 88.34, respectively, with a relative deviation of 6.28%. The coagulation activity of the intermediate obtained by optimal extraction process was better. So the method established in this paper was simple, fast and accurate for determination of coagulation activity of compound Huanhuai, which can be also used for the screening of follow-up process and quality control.

Research progress in quinazoline derivatives with anticancer activity / 中国药学杂志

Quinazoline ring, as a key skeleton structure, can produce a variety of biological activities after combining with multi-kinds of biological macromolecules. Quinazoline compounds have played particularly important roles in the discovery of anticancer drugs. The progress in quinazoline derivatives with anticancer activity was reviewed in this paper. Quinazoline compounds were classified into five types according to different substituent groups. The bioactivities of substituent groups containing quinazoline ring were discussed. And the development trend as well as the prospect of quinazoline derivatives with anticancer activity is summarized.

Risk factors of complications after CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The factors influencing the incidence of common complications (pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage) of CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum were investigated. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum was performed on 48 patients. The complications of pneumothorax and pneumorrhagia as well as the contributing factors were analyzed statistically. The major complications associated with CT-guided needle biopsy included pneumothorax (13 cases, 27.1%) and pulmonary hemorrhage (14 cases, 20.24%). χ(2) test revealed that pneumothorax was associated with the lesion size and depth of needle penetration, and pulmonary hemorrhage with the depth of needle penetration and needle retention time with a significant P value. Pneumothorax was observed in 7 cases (17.5%) out of 40 cases with diameter of mass greater than 3 cm, and in 6 cases (60%) out of 10 cases with depth of needle penetration greater than 4 cm. Additionally, pulmonary hemorrhage was identified in 12 cases (41.4%) out of 29 cases with needle retention time longer than 15 min, and pulmonary hemorrhage in 7 cases (70%) out of 10 cases with depth of needle penetration greater than 4 cm. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum is safe and effective. The key factors to prevent the complications include correct evaluation of lesion size, depth of needle penetration and the needle retention time before the operation.

Risk factors of complications after CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The factors influencing the incidence of common complications (pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage) of CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum were investigated. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum was performed on 48 patients. The complications of pneumothorax and pneumorrhagia as well as the contributing factors were analyzed statistically. The major complications associated with CT-guided needle biopsy included pneumothorax (13 cases, 27.1%) and pulmonary hemorrhage (14 cases, 20.24%). χ(2) test revealed that pneumothorax was associated with the lesion size and depth of needle penetration, and pulmonary hemorrhage with the depth of needle penetration and needle retention time with a significant P value. Pneumothorax was observed in 7 cases (17.5%) out of 40 cases with diameter of mass greater than 3 cm, and in 6 cases (60%) out of 10 cases with depth of needle penetration greater than 4 cm. Additionally, pulmonary hemorrhage was identified in 12 cases (41.4%) out of 29 cases with needle retention time longer than 15 min, and pulmonary hemorrhage in 7 cases (70%) out of 10 cases with depth of needle penetration greater than 4 cm. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lumps near pulmonary hilum is safe and effective. The key factors to prevent the complications include correct evaluation of lesion size, depth of needle penetration and the needle retention time before the operation.

The clinical study of reconstruction of traumatic brachial plexus root avulsion injury in children / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the primary result of finger flexion reconstruction in the procedure of direct anastomosis of contralateral C(7) transferred through the prespinal route with lower trunk in children suffered traumatic brachial plexus root avulsion injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>On the healthy side, the C(7) nerve root was identified anatomically and transected at the level of division by dissecting its anterior and posterior division as far distal as possible up to the level where the nerve fibers interweaving with other division, then the contralateral C(7) nerve root was dissected proximally up to the neuroforamina. The contralateral C(7) nerve root was transferred to contralateral side through the prespinal route. The entire brachial plexus of suffered side was exposed through the union incision superior and inferior to the clavicle, The lower trunk was identified and dissected proximally to the C(8) and T(1) nerve root which were severed at the lateral margin of anterior scalenus, and then the dorsal division and anterior medial pectoral nerve of lower trunk were severed. The median nerve, ulnar nerve and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve were identified from the origin and dissected distally continue to the midpoint of upper arm, and lateral head of the median nerve was severed so that the lower trunk, medial cord and median nerve, ulnar nerve and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve can be fully mobilized. Anteriorly flexion and adduction of the should at 0 degrees and flexion elbow at 90 degrees , this could allow considerable length to be gained when pulling the lower trunk proximally, direct anastomosis of contralateral C(7) with lower trunk was performed. If there was any tension exist, the appropriate humerus shorten osteotomy should be performed. From August 2004 to December 2008, 20 children including 13 cases with total brachial plexus nerve root avulsion injury and 7 cases with middle and lower trunk avulsion injury were repaired by this procedure. Twenty cases including 16 males and 4 females, the average age was 13 years with a range of 5 to 18 years. The interval from injury to operation ranged 1 to 11 months with a mean of 4.6 months. Eleven patients were performed the humeral shorten osteotomy, the length of the humeral shorten was 2.0 - 4.5 cm, with the mean of (3.1 +/- 0.7) cm.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The follow up period was 12 to 51 months, with the average of 26 months. The muscle strength of finger flexion attained M 4 in 18 cases, M 2 in 2 cases. The motor function of thumb flexion gained M 4 in 10 cases, M 3 in 8 cases, M2 in 2 cases. Of the 2 cases achieved motor function of intrinsic muscles of the hand of M3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The direct anastomosis of contralateral C(7) with lower trunk in children with traumatic brachial plexus avulsion injury can improve the effect of reconstructing the function of finger flexion because it reduces one never anastomosis site and decreases the distance of nerve regeneration compared with the traditional method. With this modified procedure, the functional recovery of intrinsic muscles of the hand in children with traumatic brachial plexus avulsion injury is becoming possible.</p>

Application of tissue granule of oral mucous in plastic surgery / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the application of tissue granule of oral mucous in plastic surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tissue granule of oral mucous was placed on glutin sponge and they were used for urethral (12 cases) and vaginal (14 cases) reconstruction in 26 cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Satisfactory results were achieved in 24 cases. One case of urethral fistula and one case of urethral meatus stricture were happened. The two cases underwent secondary operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Tissue granule of oral mucous membrane is good supply for repairing mucous defect. It has the advantages of high growth and survival rate, and less shrinkage. It is useful for urethral or vaginal reconstruction which are covered with mucous membrane.</p>

A rhombus shape excision of the soft palate to treat obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore a surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>12 cases were treated during the period from Jan 1998 to Aug 2006. Partial soft palate was resected in rhombus shape from the middle to shorten the soft palate and enlarge the pharyngeal cavity. The uvula was reserved.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients were followed up for six months to five years. There was no complication. Good results were achieved in 9 patients. 2 cases got some kind of improvement. No improvement happened in one case who received a partial tongue resection later.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A rhombus shape excision of the soft palate from the middle is effective for the treatment of OSAHS with few complication.</p>

New concept of the treatment for redundant prepuce / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Literatures on the development and function of prepuce was reviewed. To compare the merit and demerit of treatment for redundant prepuce by conventional circumcision or by removing the root skin of the penis. To investigate the ideal method and time of treatment for redundant prepuce.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The extended length of the penis and the extended skin of penis were carefully measured and the excess skin at the root of the penis was removed from the surface of Colle's fascia. Then the remaining distal skin was drew back to suture to the root of the penis. As for the cases complicated with stenosis of prepuce, longitudinal incision was performed along the constricted area to release stenosis, followed by transverse closure of the wound.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>110 adult cases of simple redundant prepuce and 40 cases complicated with stenosis were treated by this way. Functional and cosmetic results were achieved without any complications in all cases. All patients were satisfied with the result.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Removal of the excess skin at the root of the penis should be preferred to the conventional circumcision for treatment of redundant prepuce. The ideal time for intervention is at or after adolescence, when the prepuce has developed maturely. Non-operative methods should be taken to treat phimosis and adherent prepuce before adolescence.</p>

Partial glossectomy assisted with temperature-controlled radiofrequency for treating macroglossia / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical efficacy of partial glossectomy assisted with temperature-controlled radiofrequency for treating macroglossia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>There were 4 patients performed this procedure. We took a rhombus shape incision in the middle of the tongue and performed a wedge excision.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mouth can close entirely in all of patients and there weren' t hemorrhage and obviously swollen; Tongue's sensory function hadn't disturbance. Masticate function were normal. One patient still had the symptom that tongue lied outside the oral cavity occasionally after operation. The symptom was disappeared after Temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) ablation. All of patients' parent were satisfied with the results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Partial glossectomy assisted with temperature-controlled radiofrequency for treating macroglossia is an effective, much safer and less invasive procedure without obvious adverse reactions. There are better prospects for applying.</p>

Optimization for extraction technology of polysaccharide in root of Adenophora potaninii from Taibai mountain in China by orthogonal experimental design / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study is to develop excellent extraction technology of the polysaccharides in the root of the A. potaninii which live in the Taibai Mountain in China.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Based on the extraction with water, the polysaccharides were deposited with alcohol. With the content of polysaccharides was as the index, extraction conditions were investigated systemly. Employed the solid-liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time and extraction number of times were as levels of single factor, the optimal extraction technology of the polysaccharides from the root of the A. potaninii was determined by L9 (3(4)) orthogonal experimental design L9 (3(4)).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The optimal technology conditions were that the solid-liquid ratio was 1 : 30, the extracting temperature was 60 degrees C, the extracting time was 3 h and extracting number of times was 3 times.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The optimized extraction technology is simple, reliable and extraction efficiency of polysaccharide is higher.</p>

Progress in tissue optical imaging / 中国医疗器械杂志

In this review, we introduce the basic principle and technology progress of tissue optical imaging from both diffuse optical imaging and coherence domain imaging, which include the continuous-wave imaging, time-resolved optical tomography, diffuse photon density waves tomography, ultrasound-modulated optical tomography, optical coherence tomography and laser speckle imaging. Applications of optical imaging in brain activity and tissue function are also discussed.

Antegrade intramedullary fixation of the neck and subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the treatment of the displaced neck and subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-one patients with the neck and subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal had been operated on with antegrade intramedullary fixation between January and August 2005. There was 11 subcapital fractures (group A), and 20 neck fractures (group B). Following closed reduction of the fracture, a blunt 2.0 mm diameter K-wire, which was pre-bent into 20 degrees at the distal end, was inserted into the medullary canal of the fifth metacarpal and fixed the fractures. Postoperatively, patients in group A were immobilized in a short arm plaster splint for 4 weeks, and the ones in group B were treated with unrestricted mobilization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Operative time was 18 min averagely (range 5 to 30 min). Twenty-nine of 31 patients obtained anatomic reduction, and 2 patients had 2/3 apposition of bone end and no rotational deformity. Follow-up was available for all patients. The average follow-up interval was 4 months, with a range of 3 - 6 months. The head/shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal in group A was 63.4 degrees +/- 14.5 degrees preoperatively, and 15.0 degrees +/- 2.5 degrees postoperatively, and 15.4 degrees +/- 2.6 degrees in 3 months postoperatively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative angles was highly significant. The range of motion of the metacarpal joint was 89.5 degrees +/- 4.3 degrees postoperatively, which was not significantly different compared with that of uninjured side. The head/shaft angle in group B was 59.1 degrees +/- 10.0 degrees preoperatively, and 15.9 degrees +/- 2.5 degrees postoperatively, and 15.5 degrees +/- 2.8 degrees in 3 months postoperatively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative angles was highly significant. The range of motion of the metacarpal joint was 88.6 degrees +/- 3.6 degrees postoperatively, which was not significantly different compared with that of uninjured side.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The technique is technically easy to perform, minimally invasive, low-cost, allowing early hand mobilization, with good functional results and low morbidity, and it has been proved to be an ideal method.</p>