"S" Quattro external fixation for complex intra-articular thumb fractures.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Hand surgery

Background:

• Complex fractures of the thumb base present significant treatment challenges.
• Previous treatments like splinting or Kirschner wires may fail, necessitating advanced fixation methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of dynamic "S" Quattro external fixation for complex thumb base fractures.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of this fixation method in a cohort of 10 patients.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with complex thumb base fractures (Bennett, Rolando, open, fracture-subluxation) were treated with "S" Quattro external fixation.
• Follow-up included assessment of bone union, total active movement (TAM), and functional outcomes via the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved bone union without complications like infection, malunion, or non-union.
• Mean loss of TAM was minimal (7.5 degrees), with most patients retaining significant thumb mobility.
• Functional outcomes were favorable, with a low mean DASH score at 3-year follow-up, indicating good recovery.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic "S" Quattro external fixation is a viable and recommended treatment for complex intra-articular thumb fractures.
• It offers a definitive solution, particularly when conservative or prior surgical interventions have proven unsuccessful.