A new technique for closed management of displaced intra-articular fractures of metacarpal and phalangeal head delayed on presentation: report of eight cases

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014 Mar;39(3):232-6. doi: 10.1177/1753193413478350. Epub 2013 Feb 22.

Abstract

We present the outcomes of the delayed management of eight displaced intra-articular fractures of the metacarpal and phalangeal heads treated with capsuloligamentotaxis using the Penning mini-external fixator. Closed anatomical reduction with a 2 mm over-distraction was achieved at the time of operation at an average of 20 days after the initial injury. Excellent outcomes in terms of function and pain were obtained at 6 month's follow-up in all cases. This technique is simple, minimally invasive, and effective, with minimal complications.

Keywords: Metacarpal fracture; delayed; external fixator; intra-articular; ligamentotaxis; phalangeal.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Finger Phalanges / diagnostic imaging
  • Finger Phalanges / injuries
  • Finger Phalanges / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation / methods*
  • Hand Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Hand Injuries / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intra-Articular Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Intra-Articular Fractures / surgery*
  • Male
  • Metacarpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Metacarpal Bones / injuries
  • Metacarpal Bones / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult