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Pubmed for Handhelds

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  • Title: Intramedullary Headless Screw Fixation of Distal Metacarpal Fractures - the Birmingham Experience.
    Author: Thakker A, Sharma SC, Gupta M.
    Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol; 2021 Mar; 26(1):52-59. PubMed ID: 33559582.
    Abstract:
    Background: Surgical fixation using intramedullary headless screws (IHS) is a relatively new technique for metacarpal fracture repair. However, there are very few studies investigating the outcomes of this procedure. We present the surgical and functional outcomes of a consecutive series of 30 metacarpal fractures treated by a single surgeon over a 2.5-year period using IHS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 30 metacarpal fractures in 27 patients who underwent IHS fixation from March 2016 to October 2018. There were 29 fractures of the metacarpal neck and 1 was to the metacarpal head. All fractures underwent the procedure by a single operating surgeon. Individual joint movements along with total active movement (TAM) was measured at postoperative follow-up appointments 4-8 weeks after surgery. Fracture healing was confirmed with plain radio-graphs. Patients were also recalled in March 2019 for their latest functional measurements. A QuickDASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) questionnaire was used to assess for any residual functional disability. Results: All fractures healed within acceptable radiological parameters with no mal-unions or rotational deformities. The average TAM at initial follow-up was 245°, which improved to 264° at the March 2019 review. All patients returned to work in an average of 6 weeks. The final functional QuickDASH score was an average of 2.9/100 (range 0-18.2). 2/27 patients required further surgery for stiffness before regaining excellent TAM. No patient required metalwork removal. There were no other complications. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IHS fixation is an effective alternative technique for the treatment of metacarpal fractures. It is a relatively simple procedure, which provides good stable fixation, allowing for early mobilisation. It has few complications and does not routinely require removal of the implant.
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