Simplified internal fixation of fifth metacarpal neck fractures

Fifth metacarpal neck fractures (boxer's fractures) are common injuries that contribute 20% of all hand fractures. Divergent percutaneous pinning (bouquet fixation) as described by Foucher has gained popularity but is challenging and at times arduous, as it requires the insertion of several slender K-wires into a narrow medullary canal. Here, we report on a simplified technique in which a single thick K-wire is inserted.

An 18/10 K-wire is bent at one end then mounted on a drill chuck. The incision is performed and the entry hole created using the K-wire, which is then advanced along the medullary canal. After reduction of the metacarpal head using the Jahss manoeuvre, the K-wire is inserted across the fracture site into the subchondral bone. Any persistent rotational malalignment is corrected by rotating the metacarpal around the K-wire. Immobilisation is by buddy taping covered by a resin guard.

We collected follow-up data for 30 patients treated using our technique, at a mean age of 32 years.

90 days after surgery, the fracture was healed in all patients. No patients had rotational malalignment. Mean operative time was 14minutes. No complications were recorded.

The use of a single thick K-wire proved simple, effective, reproducible, and rapid. No rotational malalignment occurred. This technique is faster and easier to perform than divergent pinning with multiple K-wires.

This technique can be used to treat fifth metacarpal neck fractures.