Metacarpal Fracture
Conditions
Brief summary
Randomized controlled trial comparing a technique for buried intramedullary k-wire fixation to plate and screw fixation for unstable extra-articular metacarpal fractures.
Detailed description
Metacarpal fractures are a common injury to the hand. Most fractures occur due to direct force from either a axial load to the dorsum of the metacarpophalangeal joint or low energy fall onto an outstretched hand. Many of these fractures can be treated closed with a closed reduction and splinting however, some displaced or angulated fractures require open reduction and internal fixation. Many fixation techniques have been used, however to the investigators knowledge, no one has prospectively randomized patients to compare plate and screw fixation with buried intramedullary k-wire fixation. The purpose of this study is to compare Plate and screw and buried intramedullary fixation, using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire as the primary outcome measured. Secondary outcomes will include total active motion, complications, cost, reoperation rate.
Interventions
PROCEDUREBuried Intramedullary K-wire Fixation
PROCEDUREPlate and Screw Fixation
Sponsors
Prisma Health-Upstate
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
14 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* The patient has an unstable extra-articular metacarpal fracture that meets operative indications * Informed consent is obtained from the patient or proxy * Male or female who are 16 years of age or older
Exclusion criteria
* If the patients range of motion was decreased prior to injury (previous upper extremity injury, osteoarthritis, etc.) * Pathological Fracture * Greater than 21 days from fracture to definitive open reduction and internal fixation * If contamination or wounds from open fractures do not permit standardized buried intramedullary fixation or plate and screw fixation * Highly comminuted diaphyseal fractures * Articular fractures * Multiple fractures involving bones other than another metacarpal in the same upper extremity * The patient had a previous upper extremity injury that has limited hand function or finger range of motion
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Disability as measured by Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score | 3 months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total Active Motion in degrees | 3 months | Measured by goniometer |
| Grip Strength | 3 months | — |
| Disability as measured by Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score | 1 year | — |
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJohn Millon, MD
Prisma Health-Upstate
Outcome results
None listed