Outcomes of Fixation Metacarpal Fractures Using Bioabsorbable Implants

Abstract

Introduction. Tactics of treatment of fractures of the metacarpal bones are sufficiently covered in domestic and foreign literature, however, the search for modern methods of the most effective fixation of fractures of the hand bones is still ongoing. The fixator should ensure the stability of bone fragments, have sufficient strength and undergo biodegradation after fusion, eliminate the need for repeated surgery. Purpose of the study: to evaluate results of fixation of 2-5 metacarpal fractures using bioabsorbable implants.Materials and methods: there was a retrospective study of 40 patients who had displaced closed fractures of 2-5 metacarpal bones. We performed surgical treatment: open reduction of the metacarpal fracture and internal fixation with bioabsorbable implants (Bioretec Activa Pin). Patients were examined before, 3 and 12 months after surgery.Results: All patients had union of metacarpal fracture 3 months after surgery. The function of the hand has improved, when evaluated on the DASH scale from 62 to 9.2 (p≤0.05). The pain level (VAS) was significantly decreased from 72 to 13.5 (p≤0.05). All parameters were comparable by 12 months after surgery.Conclusions: bioabsorbable implants are reliable way for internal fixation of fractures of 2-5 metacarpal bones with displaced fragments. Method is no need to remove the fixator.