Results of Treatment for Metacarpal Shaft Fractures

Thirty-two cases (thirty-five digits) of metacarpal shaft fractures were followed up-for from 2 months to 3 years and 2 months with an average length of 12 months. We examined 18 cases of operative treatment and 14 cases of conservative one. The operations were performed with mini-screw fixations in 11 cases, and mini-plates in 4 cases. In the other 3 cases, K-wires were used.The treatment of a case combined with a multiple metacarpal fracture or a severe soft tissue injury including a tendon rupture or phalangeal fracture, tended to provide unsatisfactory results. Operative treatments were effective in the combined cases or isolated, but unstable fractures.