J Korean Soc Surg Hand.  2013 Dec;18(4):184-188. 10.12790/jkssh.2013.18.4.184.

Fourth and Fifth Metacarpal Base Arthrodesis for Posttraumatic Arthritis of Fifth Carpometacarpal Joint

• Kang CH
• Son ES
• Cho CH

• KMID: 1840501
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2013.18.4.184

Abstract

Posttraumatic arthritis of the fifth carpometacarpal joint occurs as a sequelae of intraarticular comminuted fracture or missed and untreated fracture. If it is inappropriately managed, persistent pain and functional disability of the hand can occur. Arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty, or interposition arthroplasty has been reported as the treatment for the arthritis. However, outcome studies for operative treatment of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis have been rarely reported. We report a case of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis occurred after missed fracture, which was successfully treated with fourth, fifth metacarpal base arthrodesis.

Keyword

Carpometacarpal joint; Fracture; Arthritis; Arthrodesis

MeSH Terms

Arthritis*
Arthrodesis*
Arthroplasty
Carpometacarpal Joints*
Fractures, Comminuted
Hand
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Anteroposterior plain radiograph (A) and computed tomography images (B, C) show post-traumatic arthritis by a missed hamatometacarpal fracture with impaction.

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  Fig. 2. Anteroposterior plain radiographs after operation (A) and at postoperative 18 months show the fourth, fifth metacarpal arthrodesis with resection arthroplasty.

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