TO EVALUATE THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF METACARPAL FRACTURES TREATED BY DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Background: Metacarpals fractures are most common. Management varies from conservative to operative techniques.

Aim: To evaluate the functional outcome of metacarpal fractures treated by different techniques.

Patients and Methods: a total of 65 fractures in 50 patients managed by various modalities (conservative as well as operative). Functional outcome was assessed by using TAM and DASH scoring system at 6^th week, 3^rd month and at 6^th month.

Results: 62 fractures united and three fractures mal-united at the time of final assessment. Overall excellent and good results were achieved in 90% cases (45 out of 50 cases).

Conclusion:  Operative technique is better option in case of unstable fracture and conservative technique is better in case of stable fractures. Finally we concluded that the detailed clinical and radiological assessment of fracture and choosing the correct method of treatment are critical in achieving good results.

Keywords: Metacarpal bones, total active movement (TAM), disability of arm, shoulder and hand score (DASH).