title: Comminuted fractures of the basilar joint of the thumb: combined treatment by external fixation, limited internal fixation, and bone grafting.
abstract: Displaced, comminuted fractures of the thumb carpometacarpal joint were treated by intermetacarpal external fixation, anatomic reduction of the joint surfaces, bone grafting and adjunctive internal fixation in thirteen patients. Retrospectively, at an average follow-up time of 35 months, nine patients showed a good result and one patient had a fair result. All fractures had united without secondary displacement, but focal irregularities of the joint surface were commonly seen. As compared with the uninvolved side, axial rotation averaged 79%, radial abduction 89%, key pinch 88%, and grip strength 81%.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand Surgery, University of Berne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Buchler
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: McCollam
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oppikofer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D016267:External Fixators; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013933:Thumb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*