title: [Osteosynthesis of metacarpal fractures with 2.0 mm LCP system and functional postoperative treatment].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Locking head systems are an additional option in the surgical treatment of metacarpal fractures. In this clinic 2.0 mm locking compression plates (LCP) are used, which provide the possibility of functional postoperative treatment even for complex and osteoporotic metacarpal fractures. For simple fractures and good bone quality the LCP system is used as a compression or neutralization plate. Depending on the type and localization of the fracture, different osteosynthesis techniques are used in order to achieve a functional postoperative treatment in as many patients as possible.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between July 2009 and December 2010 a total of 49 patients were enrolled in a prospective trial. All patients underwent surgical treatment with a 2.0 mm LCP system. Postoperative functionality of the hand was restored without immobilization. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed after 6 and 12 weeks and after 6 and 12 months with documentation of the range of motion (ROM), grip strength, fingertip to palm distance and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 6 months a good functional result was achieved in all patients with no cases of malrotation. Radiographs showed a completely consolidated bone healing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After osteosynthesis with 2.0 mm LCPs all types of metacarpal fractures can be treated without immobilization.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Allgemein-, Hand- und Unfallchirurgie, Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063, Zürich, Schweiz. Birgit.Oberreiter@triemli.zuerich.ch.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Oberreiter
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Allgemein-, Hand- und Unfallchirurgie, Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063, Zürich, Schweiz.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kilgus
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Allgemein-, Hand- und Unfallchirurgie, Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063, Zürich, Schweiz.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bodmer
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Allgemein-, Hand- und Unfallchirurgie, Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063, Zürich, Schweiz.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Platz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bone quality; Conventional screws; Fracture consolidation; Locking head screws; Osteosynthesis techniques