A simple external fixator for metacarpal and phalangeal fractures

MATERIALS AND METHODSThe common age group affected was 21-30 years with mean age being 35.5 years (13-60 years). Most of the injuries were caused by industrial accidents (57.6%). In 34.6% of cases, the dominant hand was involved. All patients were treated with wound debridement, external fixation and early mobilisation of the fingers. The follow-up period ranged between 2.3 -8.2 years (mean 4.4 years). Complications occurred in ten fractures. Loosening of the pin (6) was the most common complication. Except two, all the fractures healed. RESULTSThe functional recovery was analysed using the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) criteria of TAM. Results were good or excellent in 86.7% of metacarpal fractures and in 85.7% of Phalangeal fractures with overall result of about 85.9%. Poor results occurred in about 14.1% fractures. Majority of these cases had multiple fractures or accompanied with severe soft tissue injuries. CONCLUSIONTo conclude external fixation is an adequate alternative treatment for unstable open Phalangeal and metacarpal fractures, which are accompanied by severe soft tissue injuries.

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“…18 But the functional result depends mainly on the type of fracture and associated soft tissue injuries.…”

Section: External Fixation 8910mentioning

confidence: 99%

Functional Outcome of Open Phalangeal and Metacarpal Fractures Treated With External Fixation

Kannan¹,

Palaniappan²,

Srinivasan³

et al. 2016

jemds

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“…Since smooth K-wires are mostly used for the fragment fixation, the main difference between the various methods is the way they are connected together into one construct. In ''home made'' variants, K-wires have been bonded with acrylic resins (Crockett, 1974;Dickson, 1975;Scott and Mulligan, 1980;Shehadi, 1991), drilled through plastic covers of injection needles (Godwin and Arnstein, 1998;McCulley and Hasting, 1999;Sochart and Paul, 1995;Watson, 1993) fixed in appropriately cut parts of syringes (Rosenberg and Kon, 1986) or fixed with electric clips (von Schneider, 1993). Generally, manufactured mini external fixators have been modifications of larger ones.…”

Section: Article In Pressmentioning

confidence: 99%

External Fixation of Closed Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures of Digits. A Prospective Study of One Hundred Consecutive Patients

Margić¹

2006

Journal of Hand Surgery

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Stable and undisplaced phalangeal and metacarpal fractures treated with strapping or functional splinting and controlled active exercises offer from about 70 to 80% of good results. The goal of treatment of closed unstable and displaced fractures should be to achieve similar or better outcome. External fixation combines the simplicity of time-honoured fixation with K-wires and an external frame to increase rigidity. This combination was used in a prospective study of 100 consecutive patients with closed fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges and the distal three-quarters of the metacarpal bones. Good clinical results (TAM > or = 230 degrees) were obtained in 76% of isolated phalangeal fractures, in all metacarpal fractures and in 89% of multiple fractures.

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“…Also it can be very effective as a salvage procedure. Results of simple external fixation in finger fractures is promising [7,8] as in septic artritis [9,10] The results of external fixation in septic arthritis must be seen in the light of prevention of amputation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%