title: External fixation of unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.
abstract: A prospective study of the management of 30 patients with 37 unstable or complex metacarpal or phalangeal fractures treated with the "Shearer" micro-external fixator was carried out over an 18-month period. The stability achieved, with minimal soft-tissue tethering, allowed early joint mobilisation with good or excellent function in 94% of metacarpal and 85% of phalangeal fractures by nine weeks. There were no cases of non-union and few complications.
authors.affiliation: Southampton General Hospital.
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Shearer
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000293:injuries*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D013193:Stainless Steel