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

ABSTRACT

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.