A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to assess the efficiency of a minimally invasive technique for correcting malunions of extra-articular metacarpal fractures, followed by percutaneous fixation using a cemented K-wire frame. Methods From January 2018 to January 2022, 31 patients (31 malunions of extr...

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Main Authors: Zitao Han, Xu Zhang, Yadong Yu, Xiaoliang Yang, Wei Du, Guisheng Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08341-4
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author Zitao Han
Xu Zhang
Yadong Yu
Xiaoliang Yang
Wei Du
Guisheng Zhang
author_facet Zitao Han
Xu Zhang
Yadong Yu
Xiaoliang Yang
Wei Du
Guisheng Zhang
author_sort Zitao Han
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Purpose This study aimed to assess the efficiency of a minimally invasive technique for correcting malunions of extra-articular metacarpal fractures, followed by percutaneous fixation using a cemented K-wire frame. Methods From January 2018 to January 2022, 31 patients (31 malunions of extra-articular metacarpal fractures) were treated. The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range, 21–52 years). There were 25 fifth, 4 fourth, 1 third, and 1 second metacarpal malunion. Range of motion of the fingers was assessed based on the total active motion scoring system of American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Range of motion of the joint was graded as excellent (85–100%), good (70–84%), fair (50–69%), and poor (< 50%) by comparing to the opposite uninjured finger. The aesthetic appearance of the hand was evaluated based on the 10-cm visual analogue scale. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Short Assessment of Patient Satisfaction (0–10, very dissatisfied; 11–18, dissatisfied; 19–26, satisfied; and 27–28, very satisfied). Results Bone healing was achieved in all patients after a mean of 5.4 weeks (range, 4–10 weeks). The mean follow-up period was 27 months (range, 24–33 months). The mean preoperative total active motion scale was 233° (range, 185°–288°), and the postoperative scale was 263° (range, 235°–290°). There were 8 excellent, 19 good, and 1 fair result. There were 15 very satisfied and 13 satisfied with the results. The mean preoperative aesthetic appearance of the hand was 7 cm (range, 5–8 cm), and the postoperative appearance was 10 cm (range, 9–10 cm). Conclusion The minimally invasive technique is effective for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures. Rigid fixation allows fracture healing and early joint motion of the injured hand. The technique improves hand function, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic appearance. Level of evidence Therapeutic study, Level IVa.
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spelling doaj-art-12776ebcaf3940b6abe62b3edbb13c062025-02-09T12:04:10ZengBMCBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders1471-24742025-02-012611910.1186/s12891-025-08341-4A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fracturesZitao Han0Xu Zhang1Yadong Yu2Xiaoliang Yang3Wei Du4Guisheng Zhang5Department of Hand Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityDepartment of Hand Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityDepartment of Hand Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityDepartment of Hand Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityDepartment of Hand Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityDepartment of Hand Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityAbstract Purpose This study aimed to assess the efficiency of a minimally invasive technique for correcting malunions of extra-articular metacarpal fractures, followed by percutaneous fixation using a cemented K-wire frame. Methods From January 2018 to January 2022, 31 patients (31 malunions of extra-articular metacarpal fractures) were treated. The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range, 21–52 years). There were 25 fifth, 4 fourth, 1 third, and 1 second metacarpal malunion. Range of motion of the fingers was assessed based on the total active motion scoring system of American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Range of motion of the joint was graded as excellent (85–100%), good (70–84%), fair (50–69%), and poor (< 50%) by comparing to the opposite uninjured finger. The aesthetic appearance of the hand was evaluated based on the 10-cm visual analogue scale. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Short Assessment of Patient Satisfaction (0–10, very dissatisfied; 11–18, dissatisfied; 19–26, satisfied; and 27–28, very satisfied). Results Bone healing was achieved in all patients after a mean of 5.4 weeks (range, 4–10 weeks). The mean follow-up period was 27 months (range, 24–33 months). The mean preoperative total active motion scale was 233° (range, 185°–288°), and the postoperative scale was 263° (range, 235°–290°). There were 8 excellent, 19 good, and 1 fair result. There were 15 very satisfied and 13 satisfied with the results. The mean preoperative aesthetic appearance of the hand was 7 cm (range, 5–8 cm), and the postoperative appearance was 10 cm (range, 9–10 cm). Conclusion The minimally invasive technique is effective for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures. Rigid fixation allows fracture healing and early joint motion of the injured hand. The technique improves hand function, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic appearance. Level of evidence Therapeutic study, Level IVa.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08341-4Minimally invasive techniqueMetacarpal fractureExtra-articular malunionsPercutaneous fixationCemented K-wire frame
spellingShingle Zitao Han
Xu Zhang
Yadong Yu
Xiaoliang Yang
Wei Du
Guisheng Zhang
A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Minimally invasive technique
Metacarpal fracture
Extra-articular malunions
Percutaneous fixation
Cemented K-wire frame
title A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures
title_full A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures
title_fullStr A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures
title_full_unstemmed A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures
title_short A minimally invasive technique for correcting extra-articular malunions of metacarpal fractures
title_sort minimally invasive technique for correcting extra articular malunions of metacarpal fractures
topic Minimally invasive technique
Metacarpal fracture
Extra-articular malunions
Percutaneous fixation
Cemented K-wire frame
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08341-4
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