Original Article: PDF OnlyExternal Minifixation for Treatment of Closed Fractures of the Metacarpal BonesSchuind, F.; Donkerwolcke, M.; Burny, F.* Author Information *Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma: Volume 5 - Issue 2 - p 146-152 Buy Abstract Summary External minifixators were used in the treatment of 63 closed diaphyseal metacarpal bone fractures. A simple half-frame configuration was applied in all the cases. Open reduction was performed in 26%. The mean duration of external fixation was 30 days. There were no cases of nonunion. Anatomical reduction was obtained in 86.6% of the cases. There were no cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The general functional results were very good or good in 96.6%. Open reduction did not significantly alter the final results. External minifixation is usually accepted as a treatment of open metacarpal fractures. Because of the excellent results obtained in our series, we believe that the indications of external minifixation could be enlarged to closed metacarpal bone fractures. © Lippincott-Raven Publishers.
