Fourth and Fifth Metacarpal Base Arthrodesis for Posttraumatic Arthritis of Fifth Carpometacarpal Joint

ABSTRACT

Posttraumatic arthritis of the fifth carpometacarpal joint occurs as a sequelae of intraarticular comminuted fracture or missed and untreated fracture. If it is inappropriately managed, persistent pain and functional disability of the hand can occur. Arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty, or interposition arthroplasty has been reported as the treatment for the arthritis. However, outcome studies for operative treatment of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis have been rarely reported. We report a case of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis occurred after missed fracture, which was successfully treated with fourth, fifth metacarpal base arthrodesis.