The aim of our study was to evaluate an original surgical technique for the treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures: elastic retrograde intramedullary percutaneous pinning (ERIPP). From January 2014 to January 2016, patients with a fifth metacarpal neck fracture with greater than 30° volar displacement and/or clinodactyly were included. All patients underwent an ERIPP procedure. With this technique, K-wires are used as joysticks to assist reduction when the Jahss maneuver is insufficient. Clinical evaluation incorporated the DASH score, range of motion and grip strength at 3months. Radiographic evaluation comprised apex dorsal angulation and metacarpal shortening at 1month and 3months. Thirty-two patients were included in the study. All fractures were healed after a mean of 5 weeks (range 4-7). The DASH score was less than 30 for all patients, indicating an absence of disability. There were no differences in grip strength at 3months between the injured and the contralateral hand. There was less than 10° extension deficit in the metacarpophalangeal joint. In our experience, retrograde percutaneous pinning is a stable, compressive fixation method with effective reduction of displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures. However, this result needs to be confirmed in comparative studies.
Keywords: Brochage rétrograde centromédullaire; Col du cinquième métacarpien; Fifth metacarpal neck; Fracture; K-wire; Retrograde intramedullary pinning.
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