Comparison of mini-plate versus Kirschner wire internal fixation for fifth metacarpal basal fractures with carpometacarpal joint dislocation.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of mini-plate versus Kirschner wire (K-wire) internal fixation for treating fifth metacarpal basal fractures with carpometacarpal joint dislocation. METHOD: A total of 46 patients with fifth metacarpal basal fractures combined with carpometacarpal joint dislocation were divided into two groups. The control group received K-wire fixation, while the observation group underwent mini-plate fixation. We assessed treatment effectiveness, surgical parameters, range of motion, serum stress markers, quality of life scores, and postoperative complication rates. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing postoperative joint function. RESULTS: The observation group demonstrated a significantly higher excellent and good rate compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the observation group had a lower intraoperative bleeding volume, shorter incision lengths, and faster fracture healing times, all significant differences (all P<0.05). Postoperative assessments indicated that range of motion, quality of life scores, and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly improved in the observation group (P<0.05). Conversely, cortisol, angiotensin II, and norepinephrine levels, along with the incidence of postoperative complications, were lower in the observation group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified the surgical method as an independent factor affecting postoperative metacarpal joint function (OR = 0.16, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Mini-plate internal fixation is superior to K-wire fixation for the treatment of fifth metacarpal basal fractures with carpometacarpal joint dislocation. It promotes faster fracture healing, reduces serum stress markers, enhances joint mobility and quality of life, and decreases postoperative complications.