title: Intra-articular fractures at the base of the fifth metacarpal. A clinical and radiographical study of 64 cases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kjaer-Petersen
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Jurik
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Petersen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome