IV.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of patients with metacarpal midshaft fracture following surgery using either intramedullary K-wire nailing or internal fixation of plates. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 39 metacarpal midshaft fracture patients between October 2008 and September 2012. Of these 39 patients, 15 patients underwent intramedullary K-wire nailing and 24 patients underwent internal fixation of metal plates. We analyzed bone union time and final posterior angulation radiologically and the range of motion, grip power, and quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) score clinically. Results: Bone union was observed in all cases and bone union times were not significantly different between the two surgical methods. The final follow-up radiographs showed statistically significant differences in posterior angulation, which was 14°, on average, among the patients who underwent intramedullary K-wire nailing and 5°, on average, among the patients who underwent internal fixation of plates. No significant differences were found for the range of joint motion, power, and quick-DASH scores and VAS score were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Intramedullary K-wire nailing showed significant differences in posterior angulations, but both intramedullary K-wire nailing and internal fixation of plates produced good clinical outcomes in the treatment of metacarpal midshaft fracture. Therefore both techniques are considered good treatment methods.

No abstract

We report the fate of neglected vascular injury in cases of incomplete amputation of the digits and hand after delayed revascularization. Twelve patients underwent primary bone fixation, tendon or skin repair for hand injuries without vessel repair despite ischaemic findings. There was discoloration or necrosis of the fingertips during follow-up examination and the patients were referred to us for treatment. The mean warm ischaemic time was 53 hours (range 17–120). Delayed revascularization was performed with end-to-end anastomosis of the digital arteries in eight and vein graft in four cases. Digital nerves were repaired in four cases and flexor tendons in two cases. Of the 12 cases, eight cases showed complete survival. However, in four patients, complete necrosis of the fingers occurred, with one finger surviving partially. Revision amputation was performed in the four cases where necrosis occurred. We conclude that neglected vascular injury associated with incomplete amputation of digits and hands can be overcome in some patients by delayed revascularization even after prolonged warm ischaemic time. Level of evidence: IV