[Fractures of the mid-hand area--classification, management, results and problems]

Of the various types of hand fractures, metacarpal fractures occur quite frequently, predominantly in younger people. In order to maintaining hand function man's most important tool, the treatment of coice in recent years has shifted from predominantly conservative measures to more surgical procedures. From 1980 to 1988, 33 patients with metacarpal fractures were treated: 66% received surgical and 34% conservative treatment. We report on the results as regards hand function, the length of unemployment, the patient's subjective complaints and the peri- and postoperative complications.