Threaded intramedullary headless nail fixation for fractures requiring carpometacarpal stabilization

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Trauma management

Background:

• Carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture-dislocations are rare hand injuries.
• Current fixation methods (K-wires, screws, plates) lack standardization and have associated complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of the INnate™ threaded intramedullary nail for CMC fracture-dislocation fixation.
• Evaluate outcomes including pain, range of motion, and return to activities.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving nine patients with fourteen CMC fracture-dislocations treated with the INnate™ nail.
• Postoperative outcomes evaluated for pain, total active motion (TAM), and return to normal activities.

Main Results:

• Average radiographic union time was 11.5 weeks.
• Seven patients followed up; six reported no pain at final follow-up.
• Four patients achieved 100% TAM; average return to normal activity was 84%.

Conclusions:

• The INnate™ nail demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for CMC fracture-dislocations.
• This novel intramedullary nail may enhance recovery and improve treatment algorithms for these injuries.