The Effect of Age on Fracture Healing Time in Metacarpal Fractures

Abstract

Background: Older patients are treated for fracture with increasing frequency. Although studies on animals suggest that older mice and rats heal fractures more slowly, the clinical implications remain unclear. A better understanding of differences in healing with age can help customize fracture treatment. Our purpose was to retrospectively evaluate metacarpal fractures for healing time looking specifically at age-related differences. Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated for metacarpal fractures was conducted. Patients with incomplete charts or inadequate follow-up were excluded. One hundred ninety-eight charts were analyzed. Demographic and other patient factors were documented. Fracture characteristics and treatment type were documented. Fracture healing was determined clinically. Plain radiographs and examination were used in decision making. Results: Age was not associated with fracture healing time as a continuous variable ( P = .09). Patients above 75 years were not associated with increased healing time ( P = .58). Fracture characteristics were related to healing time: minimally displaced and comminuted fractures healed faster than oblique fractures, spiral fractures, or transverse fractures ( P = .048). Patients undergoing surgery healed faster than those without surgery ( P = .046). Renal failure negatively affected fracture healing time ( P = .03). Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and gender were not associated with healing time. Complications were not associated with age or other patient or fracture-related factors. Conclusions: Age does not affect clinical fracture healing time in adult. Therefore, older patients do not require disparate treatment. Other fracture-related factors and considerations such as functional demand and support systems might influence treatment decisions in fracture care.

Biomechanical study of the fixation ability of the dorsal and volar locking plate for transverse metacarpal neck fractures

“…According to the literature, cast immobilization of metacarpal neck fractures is associated with a high bone union rate, and these fractures heal in a relatively short time (i.e., 6 weeks). [40] The DLP technique, which is reported by a large number of studies and clinicians, results in close proximity between the metacarpal neck fracture and the joint capsule and extensor tendon, and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion is often blocked due to soft tissue adhesion following the dorsal bone plate fixation. The advantage of the volar bone plate is relatively far from the flexor tendon, which in turn prevents adhesion.…”

Abstracts of XIV International Scientific and Practical Conference

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“…Это относится как к управлению отдельными людьми, так и командами [5]. Цель исследования заключается в изучении опыта эдвайзеров-кураторов на протяжении двух лет (2020,2021), с момента перехода АУЭС в дистанционный формат обучения в связи с карантинными ограничениями.…”

“…Hak, D. J., Fitzpatrick, D., Bishop, J. A., Marsh, J. L., Tilp, S., Schnettler, R.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech 2020…”