The treatment of 64 intra-articular fractures at the base of the fifth metacarpal was studied. 11 fractures with minimal displacement had been immobilised in a plaster cast without reduction. The position was improved in five of 25 fractures treated by closed reduction and a plaster cast, six of nine fractures after percutaneous pinning, and 12 of 19 fractures after open reduction and internal fixation. At follow-up after a median of 4.3 years, 19 of 50 patients answering a questionnaire had intermittent pain, especially on firm grip. 43 patients were re-examined clinically and radiographically: 21 (49%) had decreased grip power, and 28 had radiographical signs of osteoarthrosis.

This study explores the lived experience of losing a leg as described by the patients themselves post-discharge. Studies have documented that regardless of aetiology patients are faced with severe physical as well as psychosocial challenges post-amputation. However, only few studies explore in-depth the patients’ perspective on the various challenges following the loss of a leg. The study uses the phenomenological approach of Reflective Lifeworld Research (RLR). Data were collected from 24 in-depth interviews with 12 Danish patients. Data analysis was performed according to the guidelines given in RLR. The essential meaning of losing a leg is a radical and existential upheaval, which restricts patients’ lifestyle and irretrievably alters their lifeworld. Life after the operation is associated with despair, and a painful sense of loss, but also with the hope of regaining personal independence. The consequences of losing a leg gradually materialize as the patients realize how the loss of mobility limits their freedom. Patients experience the professional help as primarily directed towards physical care and rehabilitation. The findings show that the loss of a leg and, subsequently, the restricted mobility carry with them an existential dimension which refers to limitation of action space and loss of freedom experienced as an exclusion from life. Our findings demonstrate a need for complementary care and stress the importance of an increased awareness of the psychosocial and existential consequences of losing a limb.

The relationship between the quality of reduction and the occurrence of arthritic changes, symptoms and disability was studied in 41 Bennett's fractures. Excellent position was obtained in five of nine fractures treated by closed reduction and plaster immobilisation, in four of six fractures treated by percutaneous K wire fixation and in 18 of 26 fractures treated by open reduction. After a median interval of 7.3 years, 15 of 18 reviewed patients with fractures healed in excellent position were free of symptoms, but this was so in only six of 13 fractures with residual displacement. The remainder had intermittent slight pain. Radiographic signs of arthritis was found in ten of 24 patients: three of 14 patients with excellent reduction and seven of ten patients with residual displacement.

The relationship between methods of treatment, quality of reduction and the occurrence of late disability and osteo-arthritic changes was studied in 17 Rolando's fractures. Three were undisplaced, 14 were displaced: of these excellent reduction was achieved in five of 11 treated by open reduction and in none of the three treated by percutaneous K wire fixation. After a median interval of 5.8 years, six of 16 reviewed patients had minor symptoms, while nine had no symptoms. Radiographic examination of 11 patients showed signs of osteoarthritis in six. We did not establish a relationship between the quality of reduction and the occurrence of late symptoms and osteoarthritis.

The relationship between the quality of redaction and the occurrence of arthritic changes, symptoms and disability was studied in 41 Bennett’s fractures. Excellent position was obtained in five of nine fractures treated by closed reduction and plaster immobilisation, in four of six fractures treated by percutaneous K wire fixation and in 18 of 26 fractures treated by open reduction. After a median interval of 7.3 years, 15 of 18 reviewed patients with fractures healed in excellent position were free of symptoms, but this was so in only six of 13 fractures with residual displacement. The remainder had intermittent slight pain. Radiographic signs of arthritis was found in ten of 24 patients: three of 14 patients with excellent reduction and seven of ten patients with residual displacement.