Objective: To explore the clinical effect of manual reduction combined with homemade splint external fixation in the treatment of metacarpal fractures.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 126 patients with metacarpal fracture treated by manual reduction and homemade splint external fixation in the emergency department of our hospital from January 2018 to December 2018, including 102 male, 24 female, ranging in age from 9 to 73 year old, with an average of (33.2±14.3)years old. During the treatment, the X-ray was re-examined regularly, and the external fixation was continued or adjusted according to the X-ray situation. The X-ray showed callus growth. After the fracture was stable, the external fixation was removed to continue functional exercise. The TAM scoring standardwas used to evaluate the hand function, and the fracture healing and complications were summarized.
Results: Of the 126 patients, 6 patients were treated with operation because of fracture displacement during the treatment. The other 120 patients were treated with this method and all of them got bony healing. The healing time was (6.3±1.8) weeks. The follow up time ranged from 2 to 12 months, with a mean of (4.4±2.2) months. At the latest follow up, TAM score was used to evaluate the hand function:excellent in 105 cases, good in 13 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 0 case. Shortening deformity was found in 7 cases and angulation deformity in 3 cases.
Conclusion: Manual reduction combined with homemade splint external fixation in the treatment of metacarpal fractures can achieve good clinical results. Homemade splint is easy to obtain materials and low cost, and it is an effective method worthy of clinical promotion.
Keywords: External fixation; Metacarpal fracture; Splint; Treatment.