Metacarpal and proximal phalangeal fractures--fixation with multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires

The use of intramedullary wires for fixation of fractures of the metacarpal and proximal phalanx in our hospital was reviewed. Twenty-six patients with 26 metacarpal fractures and four proximal phalangeal fractures were treated using this technique from 1993 to 1998. After a minimal follow-up of nine months, all the patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. All fractures proceeded to bony union at an average of 5.7 weeks (range four to eight weeks). With this simple and minimally invasive technique, most of these patients required very short hospital stay and were able to start mobilisation relatively early. The general outcome was good hand function with few complications.