ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Isolated fractures of metacarpals and phalanges are the commonest injuries affected upper extremity, which constitute about 10% of skeletal fractures in general. Fifth metacarpal (boxer's fractures) being the most common. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of treatment of the displaced neck and sub-capital fractures of the fifth metacarpal by percutaneous K wire fixation. METHODS: An observational study was conducted in the department of orthopedics Patan hospital as an outpatient procedure from January 2010 to January 2012. All adult patients with unilateral fracture of neck of fifth metacarpal bone were included. Whose physis was open, having previous hand injury or diseases causing deformity or impaired hand function and when fracture was more than 7 days old, were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Twenty eight of 35 patients obtained anatomic reduction, and 7 patients had 2/3 apposition of bone end and no rotational deformity. Follow-up was available for only 30 patients. The follow-up time was up to 12 weeks. The head/shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal was 60.60 degrees ±9.39 degrees preoperatively, and 14.20 degrees ±7.32 degrees postoperatively, and 15.60 degrees ±6.95 degrees in 12 weeks postoperatively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative angles was highly significant. The range of motion of the metacarpal joint was 86.73 degrees ±6.13 degrees postoperatively, which was not significantly different compared with that of uninjured side which was 90.93 degrees ±3.18. The difference between preoperative and postoperative angles was highly significant. The range of motion of the metacarpal joint was not significantly different compared with that of uninjured side. The average union time was 5.46 weeks ±1.22. CONCLUSIONS: This method under consideration does not disturb the fracture site itself, the Kirschner wire being introduced in retrograde fashion makes it easier to correctly place the wire, which gives reasonably stable fixation, gives excellent results in a high proportion of selected cases. Local anesthesia is an added advantage.
