[Conservative or surgical treatment of metacarpal fractures].
A total of 146 patients with 150 closed metacarpal fractures were treated between 1980 and 1981, and 109 patients with 113 metacarpal fractures (75%) were followed up (follow up 7.3 years). After conservative treatment, the functional results were good to excellent in 92.7%, while 5.8% had satisfactory and 1.5% poor functional results. After operative treatment 81.5% had good or excellent functional results, 14.8% satisfactory results and 3.7%, poor functional results. The radiological result did not correspond with the functional result. Angulation of the Ist-IVth metacarpal bones by up to 20 degrees of the Vth metacarpal bone by up to 50 degrees, and even shortening by up to 8 mm had no detrimental influence on the functional results. Axial rotational deviation of the Vth metacarpal bone by up to 15 degrees was tolerated. Joint fractures with a 1 mm step could also be treated by conservatively means.
Chirurgische Klinik, BG-Krankenanstalten Bergmannsheil Bochum.
W
W
Knopp
B
B
Nowak
J
J
Buchholz
G
G
Muhr
J
J
Rehn
D000328:Adult; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology