Antegrade intramedullary Kirschner-wire fixation of displaced metacarpal shaft fractures

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze complications and patient-related functional outcome after antegrade intramedullary Kirschner-wire fixation of metacarpal shaft fractures. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated from January 2010 until December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed using patient logs and radiographic images. Indications for operative fixation were angulation > 40°, shortening > 2 mm, or rotational deficit. Complications were registered from the patient logs. Functional outcome was assessed with the Patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (DASH) questionnaire both ranging from 1 to 100 after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. RESULTS: During the study period, 34 fractures of 27 patients could be included. Mean outpatient follow-up was 11 weeks (range 4–24 weeks). The mean interval for functional assessment was 30 months (range 8–62 months) and 19 patients (70%) responded to the questionnaires. During outpatient follow-up, all fractures proceeded to union with no signs of secondary fracture dislocation or implant migration. One re-fracture after a new adequate trauma was seen and one patient underwent tenolysis due to persistent pain and impaired function. In 26 cases (81%), the K-wires were removed of which 23 (68%) were planned removals. Functional outcome was excellent with mean PRWHE and DASH scores of 7 and 5 points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If surgical treatment for metacarpal shaft fractures is considered, we recommend antegrade intramedullary K-wire fixation. This technique results in low complication rates and excellent functional outcome.