Treatment of 5th Metacarpal Neck Fracture Using Percutaneous Transverse Fixation with K-Wires

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of percutaneous transverse fixation with K-wires for 5th metacarpal neck fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and September 2010, 18 patients with a 5th metacarpal neck fracture, who underwent operative treatment, were included in this study. The surgical method was percutaneous transverse fixation using K-wires. We evaluated fracture angulation in oblique radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up, and used SPSS to perform statistical analysis. We also performed clinical evaluation using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. RESULTS: All of the 18 cases were completely united, and in the oblique radiographs, the angulation was corrected from 50.69degrees to 11.68degrees. The average difference between postoperative and final follow-up angulations was 0.14degrees, which was statistically insignificant. Clinically, the DASH score was 1.030 and no complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transverse fixation using K-wires could be one of the best ways to treat a 5th metacarpal neck fracture because of its simple method and low rate of complications.

Bouquet Pin Intramedullary Nail Technique of the 5th Metacarpal Neck Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiologic and clinical results of bouquet pin intramedullary nail technique for the 5th metacarpal neck fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April, 2005 and February, 2006, 17 patients treated by bouquet pin intramedullary nail technique for the 5th metacarpal neck fracture were evaluated. All patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically after operation. RESULTS: All of 17 cases of fractures were completely united. In the anteroposterior radiographs, the average of preoperative angulation was corrected from 34.4° to 5.2°. Also, in the oblique radiographs, radiographic results of angulation correction were satisfactory which was corrected from 44.2° to 11.7°. Although, the averages of difference between postoperative and final follow-up angulations were 1.5° in the anteroposterior radiographs and 0.9° in the oblique radiographs, they were not statistically different. All patients were excellent clinically except 1 patient who has moderate joint stiffness after operation. CONCLUSION: Selecting of appropriate patients who is indicated, bouquet pin intramedullary nail technique for the 5th metacarpal neck fracture could be a good treatment method without complications.