Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Closed or open Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures are the most common type of hand injury. Most metacarpal fractures are closed injuries amenable to conservative treatment, whereas complex soft tissue injuries require external fixation. Improperly treated Hand fractures can also frequently result in complications such as Malunion, Osteomyelitis, Non‐union and Stiffness. The ultimate outcome is dependent on the judicious selection of cases for operative fixation, which provides a more favourable outcome than non‐operative management. In the management of these difficult fractures, we conducted a study to evaluate the role of external fixation treatment option, that provides minimal surgical trauma, preservation of fracture hematoma, short operative time, minimal anaesthetic complications and simple removal. A total of 11 patients were selected randomly based on some inclusion and exclusion criterias. Patients were called for periodic evaluation at 3weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months on OPD basis to assess: Tenderness at fracture site, Pin tract infections, Residual stiffness, Alignment and Rotation. Patients were also asked to fill out the DASH questionnaire. SPSS software version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. The mean preoperative DASH scoring was observed to be 38.64 with the standard deviation of 5.104 and standard error of mean to be 1.539. After, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks post operatively, the mean DASH score was 35.36, 21.45 and 10.18, respectively. The DASH scores at these time points were statistically significant when compared to preoperative scores. Most of the patients in the present study showed radiological reunion of the fractured bone within 8‐9 weeks. There were no complications in 72.7% of the population. While only 27.3% population experienced minor complications like pin irritation and stiffness. It was concluded in the present study that mini external fixators are an effective and durable treatment of comminuted and open fractures of metacarpals or phalanges of the hand with high functional outcome and union rates. Most of the fractures would heal by 6 weeks on average which is well supported by the radiological investigations also. Additionally, in cases of open fractures, the mini external fixator allows wound inspection and care and avoidance of hardware application at fracture site.
How to cite this article:
Gome Abhishek, Ajmeriya Rohit, Gupta Vivek Kumar and Priyadarshi Swapnil. Prospective Study of Functional Outcome Analysis of Mini External Fixator in Metacarpal Bone Fractures.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2023.9.6.13
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2023.9.6.13