Treatment of Rolando Fractures by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation using Mini T-Plate and Screws.
BACKGROUND
Rolando fractures being intra-articular fractures of the most mobile joint of the thumb, assume significance because any residual incongruity of the articular surface may result in loss of motion as well as secondary osteoarthritis and hence serious disability. This fracture continues to pose difficulties to the treating surgeons and although several treatment options have been described for these fractures, there are no definite guidelines.


METHODS
The present study describes the results of open reduction and internal fixation of nine Rolando fractures with large and single fragments, using mini T-plate and screws.


RESULTS
At 3-year follow-up all the fractures had united, functional results were excellent or good in most cases, and all the patients had returned to previous activities. Significant complications such as deep infection and loss of reduction were not encountered in any patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Open reduction and internal fixation with mini T-plates in properly selected cases of Rolando fracture with large and single palmar and dorsal articular fragments offers several advantages such as allowing direct visualization of the joint, removal of interposed soft tissues, and exact anatomical restoration of the articular surface. The fixation in most cases is rigid enough to allow early mobilization without loss of reduction. Thus, complications such as stiffness as well as future arthrosis may be minimized. However, the technique is demanding and needs high degree of precision. The possibility of implant removal should be discussed beforehand with the patient.
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Mohammad Umar
MU
Mumtaz
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Fiaz
F
Ahmad
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Altaf Ahmad
AA
Kawoosa
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Imtiyaz
I
Hussain
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Iftikhar
I
Wani
Rolando fracture; base of first metacarpal fracture; internal fixation; mini Tplate