Unstable Metacarpal Fractures: AComparative Study between Mini-Plates and Percutaneous K-Wire Fixation at Emergency Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt

Introduction:Management of metacarpal shaft fracture is dictated by the stability and personality of the fracture. It may be conservative or surgical. Surgical management of Metacarpal fractures has different techniques and different instruments. Methods:The study included 40 patients presented at Emergency Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University with 48 fractured metacarpals in 30 hands. 20 patients were fixed by open reduction and internal fixation using mini-plates, the other 20 patients were fixed by percutaneous K wires. Results: In this study, it was found that after 6 weeks of follow up; group A showed 93.3% satisfactory results, while group B showed 86.7% satisfactory results, while after 3 months of follow up both groups showed satisfactory and good results in 93.3% of cases. Conclusion: Mini-plates fixation in oblique and spiral fractures provide stable and rigid internal fixation that allows early active range of motion and early excellent results. Percutaneous K-wire fixation has the advantages of preserving the soft tissue.