DISPLACED METACARPAL SHAFT FRACTURES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN SURGICAL TREATMENT WITH MINI-PLATES AND PERCUTANEOUS K-WIRE FIXATION

Mohammad Haj Ali*, Ghiyas Halloum and Maan Saad

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Percutaneous intramedullary K. wires fixation and mini-plates fixation are reasonable options for treating unstable metacarpal fractures as they provide anatomical reduction and rigid fixation, which is adequate to permit early mobilization. The aim is to compare between mini-plates and Kirschner wires in management of unstable metacarpal shaft fractures in adults. Patients and Methods: All patients (n=36) included in this retrospective comparative study were managed and followed up at Lattakia University Hospital from January 2023 to January 2025. Thirty-six patients with fracture of shaft metacarpal were divided into 2 groups: group A (n=12) were managed by percutaneous intramedullary K-wires and group B (n=15) were managed by mini-plates. Results: Thirty-two patients were males and 4 were females. All patients had a complete union between 7-10 weeks for group A with average of 8.5 weeks and 6-9 weeks for group B with average of 7.7 weeks. The total result according to Quick DASH score was excellent in 12 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 1 case and poor in 2 cases in group A, while group B was excellent in 8 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 1 case. Conclusion: Both techniques are highly effective for fixation of metacarpal shaft fractures. Mini-plate fixation provides rapid recovery of hand function and K-wire fixation is cheaper and allows soft tissue preservation.

Keywords: K-wire;Mini-plates;metacarpal fractures.