Antegrade intramedullary fixation of displaced fifth metacarpal fractures

Fifth metacarpal neck fracture fixation: antegrade intramedullary pinning with two K-wires or percutaneous retrograde crossed pinning

Objective: The present study aimed to compare clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures after treatment with antegrade intramedullary pinning with two K-wires or percutaneous retrograde crossed pinning. Material Method: While seventeen patients were treated with antegrade intramedullary pinning (Group ), 14 were treated with percutaneous retrograde crossed pinning (Group 2). Clinical and radiological outcomes included Quick Dash, active range of motion (ROM), VAS, and dorsal angulation loss at weeks four and twelve and in the final follow-up. Results: The findings revealed that the groups had mean ages of 29.41±8.15 years and 27.78±7.42 years, res-pectively. While ROM was better in Group 2 at weeks four and twelve, we could not find a significant difference between the groups by active ROM in the final follow-up. Moreover, Group 1 had a better Dash score in the fourth week and twelth week , but both groups had similar Dash scores in the final follow-up. Finally, the groups had no preoperative and postoperative differences radiologically. Conclusion: The present findings uncovered that treatment of a displaced fifth metacarpal neck fracture by anteg-rade intramedullary pinning yielded a better in the first three months improvement in active ROM and Quick Dash than percutaneous retrograde crossed pinning.

Analysis of 3 Different Operative Techniques for Extra-articular Fractures of the Phalanges and Metacarpals

Background: Several techniques have been described for treating metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. We sought to compare the 3 techniques most frequently used for extra-articular metacarpal and phalangeal fractures: plate screw (PS), Kirschner wire (KW), and retrograde intramedullary screw (RIS) fixation. We aimed to determine whether using an RIS provides better clinical outcomes than using either a PS or a KW fixation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures from January 2011 to December 2017 in our department. Only patients with an acutely displaced short oblique or transverse extra-articular metacarpal or phalangeal fracture were included. Patients were classified into 3 groups depending on the treatment they received: PS, KW, or RIS fixation. The duration of each procedure was recorded. Clinical assessments included measuring total active motion (TAM), grip strength, and an evaluation of plain radiographs through to ultimate healing. A Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score was collected on all patients. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis rank test, as indicated. Results: A total of 253 fractures (202 metacarpal and 51 phalangeal) in 230 patients were included in analysis. In all, 135 fractures (53.3%) underwent PS fixation; 53 (20.9%), KW fixation; and 65 (25.6%), RIS fixation. In the KW fixation group, Bouquet pinning was performed for metacarpal fractures and cross pinning for phalangeal fractures. When more than 1 fracture coexisted in the same patient, they were considered separate instances. No differences among the 3 groups were observed when evaluating mean time to radiological union, grip strength, TAM, or QuickDASH score. Mean surgery time was significantly shorter with KW (20 minutes) and RIS (25 minutes), than with PS (32 minutes). Mean return to work or routine activities time was significantly less in the RIS (7.8 weeks) group than in the PS and KW groups (8.3 and 9.2 weeks, respectively). Conclusions: Surgical treatment is recommended in patients with unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. The use of RIS was associated with shorter mean surgery duration and return to work times than PS and KW, respectively.

Single versus dual elastic nails for closed reduction and antegrade intramedullary nailing of displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures

Closed reduction and internal fixation with antegrade intramedullary nails is a feasible and effective treatment for displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures (FMNFs). The present study aimed to compare clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with displaced FMNFs after treatment with single or dual antegrade elastic intramedullary nails (AEIMNs). Thirty-three patients were treated with a single 2.0 mm AEIMN and 34 patients were treated with two 1.5 mm AEIMNs. Clinical and radiological outcomes included grip strength, active range of motion (ROM), active flexion and extension of the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, dorsal angulation loss, and metacarpal shortening of the fifth metacarpal at 12 months after treatment. No significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to grip strength, ROM or flexion of the fifth MCP joint. The average values of dorsal angulation loss, metacarpal shortening, and extension of the fifth MCP joint of the dual nails group were better than those of the single nail group (dorsal angulation loss, 2.79 ± 1.93° vs. 4.05 ± 1.59°, P = 0.009; metacarpal shortening, 1.66 ± 0.80 mm vs. 2.12 ± 0.88 mm, P = 0.028; extension of the fifth MCP joint, 7.71 ± 4.43° vs. 4.82 ± 4.09°, P = 0.012). In conclusion, dual AEIMNs fixation provided better MCP extension and radiological outcomes than single AEIMN fixation.

Iatrogenic Injuries in Percutaneous Pinning Techniques for Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures

BACKGROUND

There is little information regarding anatomic structures at risk during closed percutaneous treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures. This study evaluates a variety of common percutaneous techniques with the hypothesis that each approach presents unique risks to tendons and neurovascular structures.

METHODS

Seven cadaveric hands were used for this study. The senior author, a board-certified hand surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, used a mini-C arm to pass 1.6-mm Kirschner wires (K-wires). The 4 percutaneous techniques employed were anterograde, retrograde, cross-pinning, and transverse fixations. Meticulous superficial dissection was carried out, with fixation from all 4 techniques left in place, to identify any tendons or neurovascular structures penetrated by the K-wires.

RESULTS

All techniques demonstrated penetration of at least 1 adjacent structure. The anterograde technique showed penetration of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon in 5 out of 7 cadavers. In the retrograde approach, the K-wire impaled either the extensor digitorum communis or the extensor digitorum minimi tendons in 4 out of 7 cadavers. The transverse pinning technique exhibited injury to the dorsal cutaneous ulnar nerve in 2 of the specimens. In the retrograde cross-pin technique, there were 2 penetrations of the digital branch of the dorsal cutaneous ulnar nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the described percutaneous techniques for treating fifth metacarpal neck fractures eliminate the potential for damage to surrounding tendons or nerves. Each technique has at risk structures that the treating surgeon should be aware of in order to anticipate potential complications and counsel patients accordingly.

Antegrade Percutaneous Intramedullary Fixation Technique for Metacarpal Fractures: Prospective Study on 150 Cases

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to assess the results of antegrade percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation, for the treatment of unstable displaced metacarpal fractures in a large number of cases, in order to support the usage of this mini-invasive technique in the largest variety of fractures as possible.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Every patient meeting the inclusion criteria was treated with closed reduction and antegrade intramedullary fixation with 1 or 2 K-wire from January 2013. A total of 150 patients with 165 metacarpal fractures were evaluated until February 2016. Average follow-up duration was 10 weeks. The clinical outcome was assessed by the total active motion of the digit, presence of rotational deformity, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) score, and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) score. The radiographic outcome was assessed by evaluating the dorsal angulation and shortening of the metacarpal, comparing the postoperative radiography and the first radiography showing fracture healing.

RESULTS

Comparing the injured and contralateral digit average total active motion after 10 weeks from surgery, no statistical significance emerged. No patient developed extensor tendon irritation, so that there was no need to perform tenolysis, ever. The average Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 12.3 (range, 0 to 37). The average Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation score was 19 (range, 0 to 41). Fracture union was steadily achieved. Radiographic assessment showed a nonsignificant postoperative loss of reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Antegrade intramedullary K-wire fixation technique is valid, reproducible, cheap, and perfectly suited to the treatment of metacarpal fractures requiring surgery, providing immediate mobilization and excellent outcomes for a very wide variety of fractures.

Radiologic Changes by Early Motion in Neck Fractures of the Fifth Metacarpal Treated with Antegrade Intramedullary Fixation

BACKGROUND

As intramedullary (IM) fixation is one of the fixation methods used in neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal, an early motion of injured finger can be allowed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether immediate active motion affects the stability of antegrade IM fixation in surgical treatment of neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone and to assess related factors.

METHODS

Thirty one patients treated by closed reduction and antegrade IM fixation were consecutively enrolled. All patients started active motion of the little finger since 7 postoperative days and only daily activities including writing, typing or washing were allowed until the union of fracture. All fractures were healed within four to eight weeks. The changes of angulation, fifth metacarpal length and tip to head distance of K-wire were compared between immediate postoperative radiographs and radiographs at eight weeks. In addition, the effects by age, gender, initial angulation and comminution of the metacarpal neck were assessed.

RESULTS

The average change of angulation was 0.12°, 5th metacarpal length was 1.49mm and tip to head distance of K-wire was 1.31mm. There was no significant difference in the change of angulation (p = 0.137). But, there were significant differences in the change of 5th metacarpal length and tip to head distance of K-wire ([Formula: see text]). The change of angulation was related to a comminution of the metacarpal neck and that of 5th metacarpal length was related to age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

The change of 5th metacarpal length and tip to head distance of K-wire can occur by an early mobilization in the antegrade IM fixation for neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal. However, we thought that an early active motion after surgery is important to increase the patients' satisfaction, even though careful selection of candidates is necessary.

Outcome of antegrade intramedullary fixation for juvenile fifth metacarpal neck fracture with titanium elastic nail

The purpose of the current study was to assess the outcome of antegrade intramedullary fixation with titanium elastic nail (TEN) in displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures. The present study included 69 consecutive juvenile patients with displaced fifth metacarpal fractures. The head-shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal and range of motion (ROM) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint were evaluated. A disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess upper arm function. The head-shaft angle of the affected side was significantly improved postoperatively (P<0.05). No marked difference was observed between the affected and unaffected side in head-shaft angle and ROM. The average DASH score was 1.7 (range, 0-6.0). All patients obtained anatomical reduction postoperatively and the average healing time was 5.7±1.09 weeks (range, 5-10 weeks) with no non-union cases. Therefore antegrade intramedullary fixation with TEN is recommended as an easy, reliable and minimally invasive surgical technique for treating displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures.

Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Methods of Intramedullary K-Wire Fixation of Transverse Metacarpal Shaft Fractures

PURPOSE

To determine the relative importance of intramedullary wire (IMW) diameter and IMW number in conferring stability to a metacarpal fracture fixation construct. Our research hypothesis was that the stiffness of IMW fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures using a single 1.6-mm-diameter (0.062-in) wire would be greater than three 0.8-mm-diameter (0.031-in) wires.

METHODS

Our study compared the biomechanical stiffness between one 1.6-mm K-wire and three 0.8-mm K-wires in a composite, fourth-generation, biomechanical metacarpal construct under cantilever testing to treat transverse metacarpal shaft fractures. Six composite bone-wire constructs were tested in each group using constant-rate, nondestructive testing. Stiffness (load/displacement) was measured for each construct.

RESULTS

All constructs demonstrated a linear load-displacement relationship. Wires were all tested in their elastic zone. The mean stiffness of the 1-wire construct was 3.20 N/mm and the mean stiffness of the 3-wire construct was 0.76 N/mm. These differences were statistically significant with a large effect size.

CONCLUSIONS

The stiffness of IMW fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures using a single 1.6-mm-diameter wire was significantly greater than using three 0.8-mm-diameter wires.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

When IMW fixation is clinically indicated for the treatment of metacarpal fractures, the increased stiffness of a single large-diameter construct provides more stability in the plane of finger flexion-extension.

Fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone, treated by percutaneous intramedullary nailing: surgical technique, radiological and clinical results study (28 cases)

This study report the results in 28 patients affected by closed fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone (boxer's fracture), treated with percutaneous elastic intramedullary nailing using a single wire, to verify the effectiveness of this surgical treatment. We reviewed the results of 28 patients treated with A single Kirschner wire (K-wire) pre-bent in a lazy-S fashion with a mild bend at approximately 5 millimeters, The K-wire is inserted blunt end first in an antegrade manner and the fracture reduced as the wire is passed across the fracture site The wire is usually removed with pliers post-operatively at four weeks in the fracture clinic. The follow-up period averaged of 20,75 months. The parameters evaluated included angulation, rotational alignment, postoperative metacarpophalangeal (MCP) range of motion, and time to union. We opted for this treatment in all cases, regardless volar angulation of the metacarpal head, malrotation of the fifth finger and associated or/no with a severe swelling of the hand. All the patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically at an average of 20,75 months after surgery. At the final follow-up, no patient reported residual pain and All fractures proceeded to bony union but we have one fracture had to be revised for failed fixation and three superficial wound infections needed antibiotic treatment. We recommend that this minimally invasive: percutaneous intramedullary nailing using a single k-wire in all metacarpal neck fracture( boxers’ fractures), especially when severe swelling of the hand is present, with good functional results and low morbidity.

Systematic review of the best evidence in intramedullary fixation for metacarpal fractures

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary (IM) fixation has been described as a reliable method of treatment for certain fracture patterns but has not been widely adopted into practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the literature comparing IM fixation to other forms of treatment for metacarpal fractures.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify studies investigating the treatment of metacarpal fractures using IM fixation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were predetermined. Two reviewers independently identified appropriate articles for review based on the criteria. Primary outcome measures were range of motion (ROM) (Styf et al., Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 74(Suppl 2):268-270, 2008) and complications. Secondary outcomes included loss of reduction, grip strength, Disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores, radiographic measures and pain scores.

RESULTS

Eight studies were eligible for review. Studies were of level II-IV evidence, and captured a total of 435 patients. The ROM post-operatively was found to be greater in the IM group in half of the studies. IM fixation trended toward higher complication rates in one study, but no differences were statistically significant. IM fixation fared similarly or superiorly to its competitor in each of the secondary outcomes. A formal meta-regression analysis was not possible given the heterogeneity of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

IM fixation may have a role in the treatment of certain metacarpal fractures. No conclusive recommendations can be made based on the available studies included in this literature search. Further study of this technique and its applications using high level evidence is warranted.

Modified retrograde percutaneous intramedullary multiple Kirschner wire fixation for treatment of unstable displaced metacarpal neck and shaft fractures

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of our new surgical technique, retrograde percutaneous intramedullary multiple Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation, for the treatment of unstable displaced metacarpal neck or shaft fractures. Between March 2005 and April 2010, 56 consecutive patients with 65 metacarpal fractures were treated with closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary fixation with at least 2 K-wires. The average follow-up duration was 13 months. The clinical outcome was assessed by the total active motion (TAM) of the digit, presence of rotational deformity, grip strength, patient satisfaction, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. The radiographic outcome was assessed by the time to union, dorsal angulation, and shortening. The average operating time was 11 min (range, 6-17 min) for isolated single metacarpal fractures and 18 min (range, 13-25 min) for isolated simultaneous 2-metacarpal fractures. There was no significant difference in the average TAM of the digit between the injured and uninjured hands in both neck and shaft fractures. Four patients developed extensor tendon irritation during follow-up, but the irritations disappeared completely after removal of the wires, and there was no need to perform tenolysis. The average DASH score was 8.7 (range, 0-21). Radiographic union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 5.2 weeks. Radiographic assessment revealed a significant reduction in the average dorsal angulation to 8° (SD, 2) in neck fractures and to 4° (SD, 2) in shaft fractures postoperatively. The average shortening was corrected significantly to 1 mm (SD, 2) in neck fractures and to -1 mm (SD, 2) in shaft fractures postoperatively. Based on our experience, our retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation technique is an acceptable alternative modality for the treatment of unstable displaced metacarpal fractures. This straightforward technique can facilitate early hand mobilization, correct the deformity, and provide good clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Closed antegrade intramedullary pinning for reduction and fixation of metatarsal fractures

The purpose of this study was to present the results of the metatarsal fractures treated with a closed antegrade intramedullary pinning technique. The records of 35 consecutive patients with metatarsal fractures operated on from August 2005 to June 2010 by the authors were retrospectively reviewed. Four patients were not contactable and 1 patient refused to participate. Accordingly, the study cohort was composed of 30 patients (24 male, 6 female) with 46 metatarsal head, neck, or shaft fractures. Inclusion criteria were metatarsal head, neck, or shaft fractures with a displacement of more than 3 to 4 mm or an angulation of more than 10° in the sagittal plane. Fractures combined with Lisfranc injury or metatarsal base fractures were excluded, as were bicortical comminuted fractures or long oblique fractures. Times to bone union, limitations of motion at affected metatarsophalangeal joints, and residual pain were evaluated at 6 weeks after surgery and at final follow-up. American Orthropedic Foot and Ankle Society scale was evaluated at final follow-up. Fracture union was obtained at an average of 7.1 (range 6 to 10) weeks. Two patients had moderate limitation of metatarsophalangeal joint at 6 weeks but recovered to full range at final follow-up. Average American Orthropedic Foot and Ankle Society score at final follow-up was 96.7 (range 83 to 100) points. Closed antegrade intramedullary pinning was found to be a useful method for treating displaced metatarsal fractures and to allow immediate joint motion and partial weightbearing in a stiff-soled shoe.

Fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone. Medium-term results in 28 cases treated by percutaneous transverse pinning

The purpose of this study was to report the medium-term results in 28 patients affected by closed displaced fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone (boxer's fracture) with an associated severe swelling of the hand, who were treated with percutaneous transverse K-wire pinning, to verify the effectiveness of this surgical treatment. We opted for this treatment in all cases in which malrotation of the fifth finger and volar angulation of the metacarpal head greater than 30° were associated with a severe swelling of the hand. All the patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically at an average of 25 months after surgery. At the final follow-up, no patient reported residual pain. All patients had full extension of the fifth finger, except two in whom we observed a limitation of the extension of the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of about 10°, without significant impairment of hand function. All patients had at least 90° flexion of the fifth MP joint and full range of motion of the interphalangeal (IP) joints. No patient had rotational deformity of the fifth finger with a deficit of grip strength. At the final follow-up, a residual palmar angulation of the head of the fifth metacarpal was found in three patients, with a mean of 7°. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scale had a mean value of 5, and all patients considered their result as good or excellent. We recommend percutaneous transverse pinning in all boxer's fractures in which operative treatment is indicated, especially in patients with severe soft-tissue swelling. The surgical procedure is easy to perform, and surgical results are generally good.

Reduction and fixation of metatarsal neck fractures using closed antegrade intramedullary nailing: technique tip

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion

Comparison of intramedullary nailing versus plate-screw fixation of extra-articular metacarpal fractures

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of metacarpal fractures with those of plate-screw (PS) fixation.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2006, we treated 52 consecutive closed, displaced, extra-articular metacarpal fractures operatively using 1 of 2 fixation methods: IMN or PS. Patient characteristics, mechanism of injury, pattern of fracture, and preoperative radiographic parameters were similar in both groups. The outcome measures were collected and analyzed:total active motion of the digit and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and radiographic parameters.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients received IMN fixation and 14 patients received PS fixation. Mean follow-up time was 18 weeks in the IMN group and 19 weeks in the PS group. The mean and median total active motion were 237 degrees and 250 degrees for the IMN group, 228 degrees and 248 degrees for the PS group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 9.47 in the IMN group and 8.07 in the PS group. The association between hardware type and fracture location (middle or distal third of metacarpal) was not statistically significant. Time to radiographic healing also did not reach statistical significance between groups. Operative time was significantly shorter with use of the metacarpal nail. Five patients in the IMN group displayed loss of reduction; no failure was observed in the PS group.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes using either technique. Although operative time was shorter in the IMN group than in the PS group, the incidences of loss of reduction, penetration to the metacarpal-phalangeal joint, and secondary surgeries for hardware removal in the operating room were much higher in the IMN group.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic III.

Surgical treatment of the boxer's fracture: transverse pinning versus intramedullary pinning

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical treatment of fractures of the little finger metacarpal neck, or "Boxer's" fractures, by transverse pinning and intramedullary pinning. Thirty-six patients with fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal were included in a prospective comparative randomised study. A palmar splint was applied for 1 week after both procedures. Patients began physiotherapy three times per week for 30 days. The patients were evaluated clinically six times after surgery, up to the 90th day, with X-ray assessment on days 8, 45 and 90. The study showed that intramedullary pinning gave better functional outcomes than transverse pinning, although the former was more technically demanding.

Locked intramedullary nailing of metacarpal fractures secondary to gunshot wounds

PURPOSE

To investigate the results of fixation of 10 metacarpal shaft fractures secondary to low-velocity gunshot wounds with locked intramedullary nails.

METHODS

We reviewed the results of 10 patients with locked intramedullary nailing of the metacarpal for low-velocity gunshot wounds. Autogenous bone grafting was used in 9 of the 10 fractures. The follow-up period averaged 26 months. The parameters evaluated included angulation, rotational alignment, shortening of the digit, postoperative metacarpophalangeal (MCP) range of motion, and time to union.

RESULTS

Nine of 10 fractures showed corticocancellous bone autograft incorporation in the midshaft of the metacarpal on radiographs 3 months after surgery; the single fracture without bone grafting did not unite and required an additional procedure with bone grafting to achieve union. The MCP flexion averaged 81 degrees. All MCP joints attained full extension except for 2 that had a 10 degrees extension lag. One metacarpal required an extensor tendon tenolysis and an MCP capsulotomy. No malrotation of the digits was noted and none of the patients developed an infection. The average shortening was 1.2 mm and 1 metacarpal had an angulation of 6 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

Locked intramedullary nailing of the metacarpal with autogenous iliac crest bone graft is an effective technique for treating low-velocity gunshot metacarpal fractures associated with bone loss and comminution. The locked implant maintains satisfactory alignment, length, and rotation of the metacarpal until graft incorporation and bone healing occurs.

Intramedullary fixation of unstable metacarpal fractures

Intramedullary stabilization of metacarpal shaft and neck fractures is a relatively simple, cost-effective, and safe technique with good published outcomes (Fig. 9); however definite advantages over other techniques of fracture stabilization, or indeed simple early mobilization in some instances, have not been clearly demonstrated. A recent publication does suggest that the technique is comparable to percutaneous transverse fixation in the context of fifth metacarpal neck fractures.