Static monolateral external fixation for the Rolando fracture: a simple solution for a complex fracture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Trauma management

Background:

• Rolando fractures present significant management challenges due to inherent instability.
• A simple external fixation technique utilizing ligamentotaxis is described.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel technique for treating Rolando fractures.
• To evaluate the functional outcomes of this treatment method.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients with Rolando fractures were treated with a static, two-pin external fixator spanning the trapeziometacarpal joint.
• Functional outcomes were assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score.

Main Results:

• No significant joint incongruity or malunion was observed on follow-up X-rays.
• The mean QuickDASH score was 7.95, indicating excellent functional recovery.
• All patients returned to their pre-injury activity levels.

Conclusions:

• Spanning trapeziometacarpal external fixation is a reliable method for treating Rolando fractures.
• This technique yields excellent functional outcomes despite the risk of superficial pin site infection.