External minifixation for treatment of closed fractures of the metacarpal bones.

Abstract

External minifixators were used in the treatment of 63 closed diaphyseal metacarpal bone fractures. A simple half-frame configuration was applied in all the cases. Open reduction was performed in 26%. The mean duration of external fixation was 30 days. There were no cases of nonunion. Anatomical reduction was obtained in 86.6% of the cases. There were no cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The general functional results were very good or good in 96.6%. Open reduction did not significantly alter the final results. External minifixation is usually accepted as a treatment of open metacarpal fractures. Because of the excellent results obtained in our series, we believe that the indications of external minifixation could be enlarged to closed metacarpal bone fractures.