title: External fixation of closed metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of digits. A prospective study of one hundred consecutive patients.
abstract: Stable and undisplaced phalangeal and metacarpal fractures treated with strapping or functional splinting and controlled active exercises offer from about 70 to 80% of good results. The goal of treatment of closed unstable and displaced fractures should be to achieve similar or better outcome. External fixation combines the simplicity of time-honoured fixation with K-wires and an external frame to increase rigidity. This combination was used in a prospective study of 100 consecutive patients with closed fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges and the distal three-quarters of the metacarpal bones. Good clinical results (TAM > or = 230 degrees) were obtained in 76% of isolated phalangeal fractures, in all metacarpal fractures and in 89% of multiple fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, General Hospital, Sempeter pri Gorici, Slovenija. Krunoslav.Margic@guest.arnes.si
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Margić
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome