title: Comminuted fractures of the base of the first metacarpal treated by distraction-external fixation.
abstract: A new technique is presented for the treatment of comminuted intraarticular fractures of the base of the thumb metacarpal. A triangular Hoffmann external radius and first- and second-metacarpal fixator is used. The reduction is maintained by prolonged distraction and abduction of the first metacarpal bone. The application of the technique in three cases is reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Erasmus Hospital, University Clinics of Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schuind
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noorbergen
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Andrianne
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Burny
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries*; D014143:Traction