METACARPAL FRACTURES TREATMENT: COMPARASION BETWEEN KIRSCHNER WIRE AND INTRAMEDULLARY SCREW

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Hand surgery

Background:

• Metacarpal fractures are common injuries.
• Surgical options include Kirschner wires (K-wires) and intramedullary fixation with compression screws (IMCS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare the postsurgical outcomes of retrograde Kirschner wire technique versus intramedullary compression screw fixation for metacarpal extra-articular fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective quantitative study analyzing patient medical records.
• Postsurgical evaluation questionnaire administered to patients.
• Patients divided into K-wire and IMCS treatment groups.

Main Results:

• IMCS group had shorter immobilization (4 weeks) and consolidation times (47 days) than K-wire group (6 weeks, 57 days).
• IMCS group returned to activities 22 days earlier and showed better hand strength (95.4%) and range of motion (5° difference) compared to K-wire group (93.9%, 16° difference).

Conclusions:

• Both K-wire and IMCS treatments for metacarpal fractures are safe and reliable.
• IMCS fixation demonstrates superior outcomes regarding recovery time and functional recovery compared to K-wire fixation.