Retrograde Intramedullary Absorbable Pin Fixation for Intraarticular Fracture of the Metacarpal Head

Abstract

Purpose To review retrospectively the outcome of retrograde intramedullary absorbable pin fixation for intra-articular fractures of the metacarpal head. Methods Nine patients with intra-articular fractures of the metacarpal head were treated surgically with 1.5-mm-diameter unsintered hydroxyapatite particles and a poly- l -lactide pin. There were 2 women and 7 men, mean age 28.9 years. Patients were observed for a mean of 13.1 months after surgery. The metacarpophalangeal joint was exposed through a dorsal skin incision. After reduction of the fracture, 2 unsintered hydroxyapatite particles and poly- l -lactide pins were inserted from the articular surface of the distal bone fragment into the medullary canal of the metacarpal. A volar aluminum orthosis was applied in the intrinsic plus position for a mean of 1.8 weeks (range, 0–4 weeks), and range of motion exercises were started after the orthosis was removed. Results Anatomical reduction and bony union were achieved in all patients. Mean period required to achieve bone union was 4.6 weeks. No patients experienced pain after healing; all resumed normal activities at the time of follow-up, when mean flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint were 82.8° and –2.2°, respectively. There were no malunions or osteoarthritic changes, no breakage of the pin, aseptic inflammation, or avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head, and no foreign body reactions. Conclusions We performed a retrograde intramedullary absorbable pin fixation for intra-articular fracture of the metacarpal head. Using this method, damage to the articular cartilage and surrounding soft tissue was minimized, range of motion exercise could be started early after surgery, and hardware removal surgery was not necessary. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.