title: [Orthopedic treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures: prospective study].
abstract: Many methods of treatment have been proposed for the metacarpal neck fractures of the little finger, from early mobilisation to open or closed surgical techniques. A prospective studies of 20 cases treated by a non surgical technique is presented. The reduction was performed by manipulation under local anesthesia according to the Jahss technique and a modified Thomine brace was applied for four weeks. All patients were reviewed for follow-up at 30, 60, and 180 days. The fracture displacement was initially 34 degrees. It was reduced by manipulation to 12 degrees. All fractures healed with an average final displacement of 20 degrees. At 6 months for final examination, average T.A.M. was 245 degrees, T.P.M. was 276 degrees, grip strength reached 96% of the other hand. There were 19 excellent and one bad results. In conclusion, ambulatory non surgical treatment by reduction and local immobilisation of the fractures of the fifth metacarpal provide a good final result with a low cost.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique, CHU Gaston Doumergue, 5, rue hoche, 30000 Nîmes, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trabelsi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dusserre
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Asencio
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bertin
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001915:Braces / Q000592:standards; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic / Q000379:methods*; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011403:Pronation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013484:Supination; D016896:Treatment Outcome