title: Outcome following conservative treatment of metacarpophalangeal collateral ligament avulsion fractures of the finger.
abstract: Avulsion fractures of the metacarpophalangeal joints are uncommon and there are few reports on their outcome after conservative treatment. We treated seven such patients with fracture fragment sizes between 10% and 25% of the width of the articular surface on the radiograph by early active mobilisation in neighbour strapping. The outcome of treatment was assessed at a mean follow-up of 57 (range 8-94) months. The mean visual analogue pain score was 0.6 (range 0-2) and the mean visual analogue function score was 9 out of 10 (range 6-10). The mean DASH score was 3.1 (range 0-12.5). All but one patient had normal grip strength and a full range of finger movement. We believe that the majority of avulsion fractures of the metacarpophalangeal joint can be managed successfully without surgery.
authors.affiliation: Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, UK. nhsawant@hotmail.com
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sawant
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kulikov
authors.forename: G E B
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Giddins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001458:Bandages; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires