External fixation of unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures

A prospective study of the management of 30 patients with 37 unstable or complex metacarpal or phalangeal fractures treated with the "Shearer" micro-external fixator was carried out over an 18-month period. The stability achieved, with minimal soft-tissue tethering, allowed early joint mobilisation with good or excellent function in 94% of metacarpal and 85% of phalangeal fractures by nine weeks. There were no cases of non-union and few complications.