Comparison of Intramedullary Screw Fixation, Plating, and K-Wires for Metacarpal Fracture Fixation: A Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Metacarpal fractures are common injuries with multiple options for fixation. Our purpose was to compare outcomes in metacarpal fractures treated with intramedullary screw fixation (IMF), Kirschner wires (K-wires), or plating.

Methods

A systematic literature review using the MEDLINE database was performed for studies investigating metacarpal fractures treated with IMF, plating, or K-wires. We identified 34 studies (9 IMF, 8 plating, 17 K-wires). A meta-analysis using both mixed and fixed effects models was performed. Outcome measures included mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, total active motion (TAM), grip strength, time to radiographic healing, and rates of infection and reoperation.

Results

Patients with IMF had significantly

SUBMITTER: DelPrete CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11571345 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature