The triad of multiple metacarpal fractures and/or dislocations of the fingers, severe hand swelling and clinical evidence of acute median nerve dysfunction.

Abstract

Twenty-five cases of crush injury to the hand resulting in the triad of multiple finger metacarpal fractures/dislocations of the fingers, a balloon hand appearance due to severe swelling and clinical evidence of acute median nerve dysfunction were retrospectively reviewed. All were men with a mean age of 33 (range 20-45) years. All injuries occurred following industrial or major car accidents. The fracture site included metacarpal head/neck fractures, metacarpal shaft fractures and carpometacarpal joint fracture-dislocations. All patients underwent fasciotomies, open carpal tunnel release and fixation of displaced fractures, followed by immediate mobilisation of the fingers. At a mean final follow-up of 7 (range 6-8) months, full recovery of median nerve function was seen in all patients. The final mean total active motion of the fingers was 243 degrees , 230 degrees and 250 degrees in displaced distal, middle and proximal impact fractures, respectively. All patients were able to return back to work.