title: Fixation of metacarpal fractures using absorbable hemi-cerclage sutures.
abstract: We retrospectively reviewed the use of biodegradable hemi-cerclage sutures in the treatment of 79 metacarpal fractures in 66 patients. The polyglycolic acid hemi-cerclages achieved sufficient fracture fixation to permit early motion exercises, but fractures were also immobilized for a mean of 3.7 (range, 1.5-6) weeks postoperatively, during which time physiotherapy was given. Adequate bony stability was achieved after a mean of 4.5 (range, 3.5-7) weeks and fracture redisplacement occurred in only one case.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Malteser Krankenhaus, Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brüser
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krein
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Larkin
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D011100:Polyglycolic Acid