Outcome of Interfragmentary Screw Fixation in Displaced Extra-Articular Metacarpal Fractures

Abstract

Objective: To report the outcome in terms of union in cases treated with interfragmentary screw fixation of displaced extra-articular metacarpal fractures.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Place and Duration: The Department of Orthopedic surgery, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital Lahore, Pakistan from January 2021 to December 2021.

Methodology: During the study period, a total of 79 cases of both genders aged 18-60 years with unilateral displaced metacarpal fractures within 2 weeks and undergoing interfragmentary screw fixation were analyzed. A special format was designed to record all study data. Information like gender, age (years), side involvement (left or right) and occupational details were noted. Patients were followed up till 16^th week to label the union at the last follow up.

Results: In a total of 79 cases undergoing interfragmentary screw fixation for displaced extra-articular metacarpal fractures, 49 (62.0%) were male and 30 (38.0%) female representing a male to femal ratio of 1.6:1. The mean age was noted to be 37.64±11.81 years while 51 (64.6%) cases were aged between 18-40 years. Residential status of 54 (68.4%) cases was rural. Socio-economic status of 43 (54.4%) cases was low. Right side was involved in 50 (63.3%) cases. Thirty two patients (40.5%) were manual workers. Table-1 is showing socio-demographic characteristics of all cases undergoing interfragmentary screw fixation for displace extra-articular metacarpal fractures. At the final follow up (16^th week), union was reported in 75 (94.9%) cases while remaining 4 (5.1%) cases were having non-union.

Practical Implications: Comparative studies are necessary to further establish the efficiency of contemporary approaches regarding treatment of extra-articular metacarpal fractures.

Conclusion: Outcomes in terms of union in cases treated with interfragmentary screw fixation of displaced extra-articular metacarpal fractures were very good.

Keywords: Interfragmentary screw fixation, metacarpal fracture, outcome, union.