Closed reduction and percutaneous transverse metacarpal pinning of extraarticular metacarpal fractures

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of treating unstable and/or angulated extraarticular metacarpal fractures (exclusive of the thumb) with closed reduction and percutaneous transverse metacarpal pin fixation into an intact adjacent metacarpal, The results of 20 consecutive patients with 24 fractures treated in this manner between 1992 and 1993 were reviewed, FLU fractures healed, and all patients regained full range of motion at both their MP and IP joints. Ne patients had any residual extensor lag, and all patients regained 98% of the strength as compared to their contralateral hand. There were no perioperative complications. The average perioperative angulatory deformity of 15 degrees was corrected to 2 degrees with this technique, and all 20 patients reported satisfaction with their treatment and their result, Closed reduction and percutaneous transverse metacarpal pinning is a technically simple, safe and effective method of treating angulated and/or unstable extraarticular metacarpal fractures.