FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN PERCUTANEOUS ELASTIC STABLE INTRAMEDULARY NAILING TECHNIQUE OF METACARPAL BONE FRACTURE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcome of metacarpal fractures managed by percutaneous elastic stable intramedullary nails along with its functional outcome. METHOD: The extra-articular metacarpal fracture were managed by inserting two pre-bent elastic stable nails in antegrade manner after making entry point (dorso-medialy and dorso-lateraly) through base of the metacarpal bone. The nails act as three point xation and provide stable xation. Early mobilisation is commenced for providing early healing and decrease postoperative decreased range of motion at metacarpophalangeal/interphalangeal joints and stiffness. Nails were removed 3 week after radiological sign of union. RESULTS: 32 extra-articular metacarpal fractures treated with percutaneous elastic stable nails were evaluated between 1 2 September 2018 to 31 August 2020. The functional outcome was assessed using disability arm shoulder and hand (DASH) score with mean score th 1 of 2 at 6 month follow-up and total active motion (TAM) score which was excellent in 81.2% of the patients (n=26), good in 9.4% of cases (n=3), fair in 9.4% of the cases (n=3).All fracture proceeded to bony union. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that indirect reduction and early xation with percutaneous elastic stable intramedullary nailing with 2 nails is very safe and effective treatment modality for extra-articular metacarpal fracture with excellent functional outcome.