title: Fasciculated intramedullary pinning of metacarpal fractures.
abstract: We reviewed 20 patients with 23 displaced extraarticular fractures of the distal end of the long metacarpals, treated by fasciculated pinning. At a mean follow-up of 5 years, all the patients were subjectively satisfied with the result. All the patients but one, who fractured four metacarpals, had a normal range of motion. The average grip strength was 43.4 kg for the operated side compared to 43.4 kg for the uninjured hand. Radiologically, the fractured fifth metacarpal had a shortening of 2.2 mm compared to a control group, whereas the volar angulation was 16.6 degrees (13.2 degrees for the control group). The technique of intramedullary fasciculated pinning is a reliable alternative when conservative treatment of fractures of the metacarpal neck has failed or is inappropriate. The procedure provides sufficient stability to allow early mobilization and a good functional result.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Manueddu
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Della Santa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome