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External Fixation of Closed Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures of Digits. A Prospective Study of One Hundred Consecutive Patients

K. MARGI

From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, General Hospital, empeter pri Gorici, Slovenija

Correspondence: Prim Dr Krunoslav Margi, dr med, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, General Hospital, SI-5290 Sempeter pri Gorici, Slovenija. Tel.: +386 41 390 731; fax: +386 5 330 10 57. E-mail: Krunoslav.Margic{at}guest.arnes.si

Stable and undisplaced phalangeal and metacarpal fractures treated with strapping or functional splinting and controlled active exercises offer from about 70 to 80% of good results. The goal of treatment of closed unstable and displaced fractures should be to achieve similar or better outcome. External fixation combines the simplicity of time-honoured fixation with K-wires and an external frame to increase rigidity. This combination was used in a prospective study of 100 consecutive patients with closed fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges and the distal three-quarters of the metacarpal bones. Good clinical results (TAM 230°) were obtained in 76% of isolated phalangeal fractures, in all metacarpal fractures and in 89% of multiple fractures.

Key Words: closed fractures • hand • phalanges • metacarpals • external fixation • results

Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), Vol. 31, No. 1, 30-40 (2006)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHSB.2005.09.013


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