title: Proximal fractures of the fifth metacarpal: a retrospective analysis of 25 operated cases.
abstract: The clinical and radiological outcomes of 25 surgically treated fractures of the proximal third of the fifth metacarpal were retrospectively analysed. Many different methods of osteosynthesis were used. At follow-up after a mean of 3.3 years, 15 of 25 patients had no pain. Most patients regained a nearly full range of motion in the adjacent joints and more than 90% of the contralateral grip strength. X-ray signs of degenerative arthritis in the metacarpohamate joint were observed in 10 of 25 patients. Pain was found to be directly correlated with the presence of degenerative changes.
authors.affiliation: Division for Reconstructive Surgery, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland. michael.papaloizos@hcuge.ch
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Papaloizos
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Le Moine
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Prues-Latour
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Borisch
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Della Santa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome