title: Intramedullary nailing for metacarpal 2-5 fractures.
abstract: Twenty-eight patients with 31 closed fractures (27 acute fractures and four with malalignment after conservative treatment) of the metacarpal bones 2-5 were treated with only one elastic stable intramedullary nail and followed prospectively. Treatment protocol was without immobilization or physiotherapy. These patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up time of 15 months for ultrasound results as well as functional outcome concerning complications, pain, range of motion, and grip strength measured with a Vernier-Dynamometer. Satisfaction of the patients was investigated by Clients Satisfaction Questionnaire. Radiographs before nail removal, ultrasound, and clinical examination always showed complete union of the fracture without deviation of axis. All patients gained full range of motion without any limits in daily activity and sports. There was no loss of grip strength compared with the other hand. Patients' satisfaction was very high, especially because of almost no postoperative pain and lack of immobilization. This method can be offered as an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of closed displaced fractures of the 2-5 metacarpus without significant complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital of the University Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee, Luebeck, Germany. Kaiser@medinf.mu-luebeck.de
authors.forename: Martin M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kaiser
authors.forename: Kianusch
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tafazzoli
authors.forename: Till-M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Theilen
authors.forename: Arndt P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paech
authors.forename: Lucas M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Wessel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome