A prospective study of functional outcome between Mini-plates and percutaneous K-wire fixation following metacarpal shaft fractures

Abstract

Background: Metacarpal fractures comprise between 18–44 % of all hand fractures. Too often these metacarpal fractures are neglected or treated as minor injuries and results in major disability and deformity with permanent crippling of fine movements. A stable fracture fixation helps in restoring early mobilization. Early mobilization can prevent adhesions and is the key to good clinical outcome. Methods: Thirty six patients with metacarpal fractures were surgically fixed with k-wire or plate and screw in our trauma centre. 27 males and 9 females patients were part of the study. Radiographs of affected hand, both AP & Lateral views were obtained before surgery, post- surgery, and at follow-ups. Results: In this study, after 6 weeks of follow up it was found that metacarpal shaft fractures fixed with ORIF with mini plates show better functional outcome compared to CRIF with percutaneous K-wires. Finger stiffness being the commonly encountered complication. Conclusions: Mini-plates fixation in oblique and spiral fractures provide stable and rigid internal fixation that allows early active range of motion and early excellent results. Percutaneous K-wire fixation has the advantages of preserving the soft tissue.