A technical note on percutaneous fixation of trapezium fracture under gravitational traction

Abstract

Trapezium fractures rarely present as isolated fractures and warrant anatomical fixation to minimize post-traumatic arthritis. Fixation techniques reported include open approach to trapezium fracture and fixation, percutaneous fixation under image intensifier guidance or percutaneous arthroscopic fixation under gravitational traction. We have reported a novel method of percutaneous fixation of a trapezium Walker type IV coronal split fractures under gravitational traction and per-operative image intensifier guidance. Two percutaneous headless differential pitch screws were used for fixation, which was off-loaded using an inter-metacarpal K-wire. Patient was discharged on the same day with a light-weight cast. The fixation yielded acceptable reduction of the articular surface as confirmed by radiographs. The cast and off-loading K-wire were removed at four weeks post-surgery and hand therapy was commenced. 3-month review showed optimal radiological healing with excellent return to function without pain. In conclusion, using gravitational traction can allow percutaneous fixation of trapezium fractures with excellent results and also make an otherwise complex procedure simpler. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Keywords: Classification de Walker; Coronal split; Fixation percutanée; Fracture coronale; Gravitational traction; Percutaneous fixation; Traction gravitationnelle; Trapezium; Trapèze; Walker classification.