title: Results of locked flexible intramedullary nailing of metacarpal fractures: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We present our case series on the use of flexible locked intramedullary nails in the management of metacarpal fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective study over a period of 2 years of all patients with metacarpal fractures with 100% displacement or rotational deformity operated by the flexible locked intramedullary nails from January 2008 to April 2010 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, UK RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with fractures of metacarpal neck and shaft were included in the study. All fractures went on to union by an average of 6.3 weeks with full metacarpophalangeal joint movement and grip strength.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our experience, this device helps to achieve good functional results with minimal soft tissue disruption and complications in the management of unstable metacarpal fractures.
authors.affiliation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, UK. santakshi@gmail.com.|Department of Orthopaedics, Northern Deanery, Newcastle, UK. santakshi@gmail.com.|, 67 Greenlee Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7GA, UK. santakshi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Venkatachalam
authors.affiliation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harrison
keywords: Locked flexible intramedullary nails; Metacarpal fractures; Operation
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