title: Plate fixation in closed ipsilateral multiple metacarpal fractures.
abstract: Closed multiple metacarpal fractures are uncommon. They are usually associated with significant soft tissue swelling. Early stable fixation and functional rehabilitation optimises outcome. We present a review of 19 patients with 43 metacarpal fractures treated by early open reduction and internal fixation with 2 mm plates. Eighteen patients recovered a full range of motion, while one patient was lost to follow-up. Implant removal on account of extensor irritation was required in only two metacarpals in two patients. Plating of multiple closed metacarpal fractures is a safe, reliable and consistently reproducible treatment method.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Souer
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Mudgal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome