Miniplate and Miniscrew Fixation for the Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures

Kim, Bu Hwan; Yim, Jong In; Kang, Deog Jeong

Abstract

The functional end result is more important than fracture healing in the hand fracture treatment. Accurate open reduction and internal fixation with miniplate and miniscrew for metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of hand provides firm fixation and allows early postoperative mobilization which reduce the incidence of joint stiffness and tendon adhesion. The authors have reviewed 17 cases of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of the hand in 13 patients which were treated with miniplate and miniscrew fixations in the department of orthopaedic surgery, Dae Dong General Hospital from Mar. 1994 to Feb. 1996. The following results were obtained. 1.The firm fixation allowed range-of-motion exercises in most patients between 3-14 days. 2.The roentgenographic union was obtained within 14.8 weeks in average. 3.The mean TAM(total active motion) range at last follow up was 247 in the metacarpal fracture and 226 in the phalangeal fracture. 4. The complications(tendon adhesion & loss of reduction) occurred in 2 cases(11.8%). In conclusion, fixation with miniplate and miniscrew for metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of the hand is considered to be an effective method in the treatment of metacarpal & phalangeal fractures.