Operative Treatment of the Fracture of the Fourth and Fifth Metacarpal Bone Base

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We intend to set up the plan by analyzing the case applying operative treatment for the diagnosis and treatment of the fourth and fifth metacarpal bone base fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 15 cases treated operatively from January of 2004 to October of 2009, there were 9 cases being fifth isolated carpometacarpal fracture, 5 cases being the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal comminuted fracture, 2 cases accompanied by hamate body fracture, 10 cases were comminuted fracture of carpal bone or metacarpal bone. RESULTS: The 13 cases of 15 cases which have got operative treatment for the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture were men, average age were 26.3 years old, injury mechanism were direct hit for 9 cases, slip-down for 6 cases. 12 cases were done closed reduction and pinning, 3cases were done open reduction because of comminution or accompanied by hamate fracture. CONCLUSION: Appropriate diagnostic tool such as computed tomography and careful physical examination are essential for good result of the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture treatment.