Retrograde Headless Intramedullary Screw Fixation for Displaced Fifth Metacarpal Neck and Shaft Fractures: Short Term Results

Abstract

Background This study aimed to evaluate the early clinical outcomes of retrograde headless intramedullary screw fixation for displaced fifth metacarpal neck and shaft fractures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed nine patients treated with retrograde intramedullary screw fixation of fifth metacarpal neck and shaft fractures between 2011 and 2013. Patient demographics and outcomes including hand dominance, age, sex, type of injury, injury and postoperative radiographs, return to work, time to fracture union radiographically, complications, visual analog score, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores, postoperative metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion, and grip strength were recorded. Results Nine fractures in nine patients with a mean age of 32 years (19-54) were included. There were seven metacarpal neck and two metacarpal shaft fractures. All patients sustained injury by direct impact of fist against an object. No case involved worker's compensation. Patients had a mean follow-up of 36 weeks (6-57 weeks) and at the time of latest follow-up had no pain. Mean radiographic healing was 49 days (28-85 days). Mean return to work was 6 weeks (4-10 weeks). Mean metacarpalphalangeal joint motion was 0°extension and 90°flexion. Mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores pre-and postoperatively improved from 43 to 0.7, respectively. The mean postoperative grip strength was measured of the injured hand (40 kg) and un-injured hand (41 kg). Conclusions Retrograde headless intramedullary screw fixation of fifth metacarpal neck and shaft fractures has overall favorable early outcomes and offers the benefit of stable fixation, early motion without cast immobilization, and the ability for early return to work. This technique is a viable surgical option for these fractures and may be considered in the appropriate patient population.

Percutaneous Intramedullary Headless Screw Fixation and Wide-Awake Anesthesia to Treat Metacarpal Fractures: Early Results in 25 Patients

“…Another key point remains the insertion area on the metacarpal head, where the loading area of the articular surface should be respected. 1,2,7,9,[11][12][13] The technique is even more handy using a wide-awake local anesthesia with bupivacaine + epinephrine (1:100,000). In fact, this procedure reduces perioperative time with a concrete cost and time saving.…”

Dual Antegrade Intramedullary Headless Screw Fixation for Treatment of Unstable Proximal Phalanx Fractures

“…The average patient age at the time of surgery was 39 years (range, 20-62). The mean interval from the initial injury to surgery was 6 days (range, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Two patients had associated workers' compensation claims, and 2 patients were elite athletes (1 professional hockey player, 1 college football player) who were injured during in-season game play.…”

Percutaneous Osteosynthesis with Headless Cannulated Screws in the Treatment of Metacarpal and Proximal and Middle Phalanxes Fractures of the Hand

“…Our clinical and functional results are similar to those found in several series published in recent years, showing satisfactory results with this type of treatment. [5][6][7]18,19 The surgical treatment of the metacarpal has been very effective, with results close to 100% mobility.…”