Clinical efficacy of treating the first metacarpal base fracture by closed reduction and percutaneous parallel  K-wire  interlocking fixation

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of treating a first metacarpal base fracture by closed reduction and percutaneous parallel K-wire interlocking fixation between the first and second metacarpals. Methods: : Twenty patients treated by the above technique from October 2015 to December 2018 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ average age was 36 years (range, 16–61 years). Eleven patients were extra-articular fractures and nine were intra-articular fractures. The mean follow-up period was 12 months (range, 10–18 months). At the final follow-up, the functional recovery of the injured hand was assessed and compared with that of the uninjured hand. Results: : All patients recovered well with no complications. In the extra-articular fracture group, the mean hand grip strength, pinch strength, and Kapandji score were 43.4 ± 7.0 kg, 9.1 ± 1.4 kg, and 9.5 ± 0.7 on the injured side and 41.7 ±6.8 kg, 8.7 ± 0.8 kg, and 9.7 ± 0.5 on the uninjured side, respectively, with no significant differences. In the intra-articular fracture group, the above indexes were 43.0 ± 6.5 kg, 9.0 ± 1.1 kg, and 9.3 ± 0.7 on the injured side and 42.1 ± 6.6 kg, 8.6 ± 1.1 kg, and 9.7 ± 0.5 on the uninjured side, respectively, also with no significant differences. The abduction and flexion-extension arc of the thumb on the injured hand were lower than those on the uninjured hand in both the extra-articular and intra-articular fracture groups, but the patients felt clinically well with respect to daily activities and strength. Conclusion: The percutaneous parallel K-wire and the interlocking fixation technique is simple, effective, and economic for first metacarpal base fractures.