Background: Several techniques have been described for treating metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. We sought to compare the 3 techniques most frequently used for extra-articular metacarpal and phalangeal fractures: plate screw (PS), Kirschner wire (KW), and retrograde intramedullary screw (RIS) fixation. We aimed to determine whether using an RIS provides better clinical outcomes than using either a PS or a KW fixation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures from January 2011 to December 2017 in our department. Only patients with an acutely displaced short oblique or transverse extra-articular metacarpal or phalangeal fracture were included. Patients were classified into 3 groups depending on the treatment they received: PS, KW, or RIS fixation. The duration of each procedure was recorded. Clinical assessments included measuring total active motion (TAM), grip strength, and an evaluation of plain radiographs through to ultimate healing. A Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score was collected on all patients. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis rank test, as indicated. Results: A total of 253 fractures (202 metacarpal and 51 phalangeal) in 230 patients were included in analysis. In all, 135 fractures (53.3%) underwent PS fixation; 53 (20.9%), KW fixation; and 65 (25.6%), RIS fixation. In the KW fixation group, Bouquet pinning was performed for metacarpal fractures and cross pinning for phalangeal fractures. When more than 1 fracture coexisted in the same patient, they were considered separate instances. No differences among the 3 groups were observed when evaluating mean time to radiological union, grip strength, TAM, or QuickDASH score. Mean surgery time was significantly shorter with KW (20 minutes) and RIS (25 minutes), than with PS (32 minutes). Mean return to work or routine activities time was significantly less in the RIS (7.8 weeks) group than in the PS and KW groups (8.3 and 9.2 weeks, respectively). Conclusions: Surgical treatment is recommended in patients with unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. The use of RIS was associated with shorter mean surgery duration and return to work times than PS and KW, respectively.

Phalangeal fractures are the most common hand fractures. In the last years, intramedullary compression screw (IMHCS) for instable transverse or short oblique proximal P1 fractures have been described. Although both anterograde (intraarticular or trans-articular) and retrograde IMHCS techniques have shown good results, no comparison between anterograde and retrograde screw in P1 fractures has been published. We sought to determine stability with retrograde IMHCS and anterograde IMHCS, both trans-articular and intra-articular technique, in a cadaveric transverse proximal P1 fracture model, at two different levels. We performed a biomechanical study in 30 fresh-frozen human cadaveric P1 fracture model. Fracture was performed at 9-mm from the metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP) joint in 15 specimens, whereas it was done at 15mm in the other 15. In turn, in each group, five fractures were stabilised with an anterograde intra-articular IMHCS, five with anterograde trans-articular IMHCS and other five with retrograde IMHCS. Anterograde IMHCS fixation in 9-mm P1 fractures (both trans- and intra-articular technique, 62.74N and 70.86N, respectively) was found to be more stable than retrograde IMHCS one (32.72N) (p=0.022). Otherwise, retrograde IMHCS fixation was found to be more stable in more distal P1 fractures (90.52N retrograde vs. 57.64N trans-articular vs. 42.92N intra-articular; p=0.20). Anterograde IMHCS fixation in proximal transverse P1 bone cut in a cadaveric model provides more stability than retrograde IMHCS, while retrograde screw provides more stability when the bone cut is located more distal.

Background: The development of trigger digit after carpal tunnel syndrome release surgery has been widely reported. Lluch described reconstruction of the flexor retinaculum in elongated position to prevent such complication. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review to determine whether patients who undergo reconstruction in elongated position of the flexor retinaculum have a lower incidence of trigger digit postoperatively. In total, 1050 patients were included, 865 of whom had undergone traditional carpal tunnel release and 185 flexor retinaculum reconstruction. Results: No differences were found in the incidence of trigger digit after surgery (8.7% of the patients who underwent traditional release vs 11.9% in the reconstruction group). Neither difference was found when comparing mean time with the development of trigger digit. Conclusions: In the absence of randomized long-term studies comparing traditional release and reconstruction in elongated position after carpal tunnel release, given our results, we see no reason to favor reconstruction over standard carpal tunnel release as a means to prevent postoperative triggering of digits.

Phalangeal fractures are the most common hand fractures. In the last years, intramedullary compression screw (IMHCS) for instable transverse or short oblique proximal P1 fractures have been described. Although both anterograde (intraarticular or trans-articular) and retrograde IMHCS techniques have shown good results, no comparison between anterograde and retrograde screw in P1 fractures has been published. We sought to determine stability with retrograde IMHCS and anterograde IMHCS, both trans-articular and intra-articular technique, in a cadaveric transverse proximal P1 fracture model, at two different levels. We performed a biomechanical study in 30 fresh-frozen human cadaveric P1 fracture model. Fracture was performed at 9-mm from the metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP) joint in 15 specimens, whereas it was done at 15 mm in the other 15. In turn, in each group, five fractures were stabilized with an anterograde intra-articular IMHCS, five with anterograde trans-articular IMHCS and other five with retrograde IMHCS. Anterograde IMHCS fixation in 9-mm P1 fractures (both trans- and intra-articular technique, 62.74 N and 70.86 N, respectively) was found to be more stable than retrograde IMHCS one (32.72 N) (p = 0.022). Otherwise, retrograde IMHCS fixation was found to be more stable in more distal P1 fractures (90.52 N retrograde vs. 57.64 N trans-articular vs. 42.92 N intra-articular; p = 0.20). Anterograde IMHCS fixation in proximal transverse P1 bone cut in a cadaveric model provides more stability than retrograde IMHCS, while retrograde screw provides more stability when the bone cut is located more distal.