Arthroscopic Assisted Treatment of Thumb Metacarpal Base Articular Fractures

Fracture of the base of the thumb metacarpal (M1) is a common finding in hand trauma. Closed reduction and K-wire fixation and open reduction-internal fixation are traditional treatments of choice. The arthroscopic assisted technique has been introduced to improve intra-articular fragment reduction and to preserve fragment vascularization and capsular and ligamentous integrity along with joint stability. Indications for arthroscopic assistance are all types of intra-articular fractures or pending malunions involving the base of M1 and/or the trapezium. The aim of this article is to describe the surgical technique used in managing articular fractures of the base of M1, with arthroscopic assistance. Our experience with this technique confirms the advantages of a minimally invasive method that provides articular reduction under direct vision, with limited soft-tissue damage, and allows early rehabilitation (from day 1 after surgery). This technique is extremely valuable for high-demand patients such as manual workers or athletes. The relative disadvantage of the technique is its technical difficulty, which requires experience with small-joint arthroscopy.