Comparison of clinical and radiological results of fixation methods with retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wire and plate-screw in extra-articular metacarpal fractures

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical andradiographic outcomes of retrograde intramedullary Kirschner-wire(K-wire) fixation with those of plate-screw (PS) fixation.Patients and methods: A total of 98 metacarpal shaft fracturesin 75 patients (65 males, 10 females; mean age: 31.2±10.9 years;range, 16 to 65 years) were included between January 2011 andDecember 2017. The total joint active range of motion (AROM)and grip strength of the healthy and broken hands were evaluated.The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Quick Disabilities of theArm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were recorded. Wecompared surgery duration, number of fluoroscopy images, andcost-effectiveness for each technique.Results: The overall mean follow-up was 21.9 (range, 12 to 56)months. At the last follow-up, total joint AROM (p=0.072), VASscore (p=0.298), QuickDASH score (p=0.132), and hand grip strength(p=0.947) were similar between the groups. Radiological unionoccurred in the PS and K-wire groups in a mean of 5.84 (range, 3 to 8)and 4.46 (range, 3 to 20) weeks, respectively (p=0.173). A significantdifference was found in surgery duration (p=0.021) and number offluoroscopy images (p