[Minimally invasive management of metacarpal I fractures with a mini-fixateur]

Displaced perarticular fractures of the first metacarpal are mainly treated operatively due to the importance of the first ray for hand function. Open reduction and internal fixation as well as minimal-invasive techniques using minifixator systems may be employed. We use a minifixator, which allows pin-positioning even in small perarticular fragments eliminating the necessity of bridging joints. The anatomical basis, operative technique, and data of seven patients treated according to this method and results are presented. Range of motion according to the neutral-zero-method, tendon gliding, five-second-holding power, and force grip were equal compared to the uninjured contralateral side. The use of a minifixator to stabilize perarticular fractures of the first metacarpal includes the advantages of a minimal invasive procedure, respects the advantages of conservative fracture treatment, and permits secure fracture fixation after reduction.