[Results of antegrade intramedullar Kirschner-Wire pinning of subcapital fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone using Foucher's technique]

Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2008 Oct;40(5):336-41. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-965734. Epub 2008 Jul 16.
[Article in German]

Abstract

One of the most common hand injuries is the subcapital fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone. We propose a surgical procedure when the fracture is angulated for at least 40 degrees in a palmar direction or when we find a rotatory deformity. Our standard operation procedure is a closed reposition with an intramedullar Kirschner-wire pinning with 2 curved wires according to Foucher's technique. During the period from 8/2003 to 6/2006 we repaired 126 distal metacarpal fractures in the mentioned technique with the use of 1.2 mm Kirschner wires. We suggest an early functional aftercare with a middle hand brace for four weeks. In a retrospective study we were able to examine 41 patients. Our research included objective parameters like the grip power and the range of motion as well as subjective parameters with the use of the DASH score and a self-created questionnaire to check the individual satisfaction with the operative procedure. 41 patients (94 %) were satisfied or very satisfied with the result of the operation and 35 (79 %) were satisfied or very satisfied with the local anaesthesia.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Wires*
  • Braces
  • Child
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods*
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Metacarpal Bones / injuries*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Postoperative Care
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome