Functional Hand-Based Splint in the Treatment of Metacarpal Fractures

Background: Post-treatment stiffness remains a significant hurdle following treatment for displaced or minimally displaced metacarpal fractures. Treatment goals should focus on a stable and acceptable reduction, minimal patient morbidity, and optimal mobility. Methods: A retrospective review of all non-operative metacarpal fractures over a five-month period at a tertiary center hand clinic treated with a hand-based splint were reviewed for radiologic and clinical stability. The splint allowed metacarpophalngeal joint, interphalangeal joint, and radiocarpal joint motion. Data collected included age, handedness, type and location of fracture, occupation, and ability to continue working. Radiologic images were reviewed by a radiologist not otherwise involved in patient care. Results: Thirty-three patients were reviewed with a total of 39 fractures of the second, third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals. Nine patients had nondominant hand fractures while 24 were dominant hand injuries. Twenty out of 24 patients employed pre-injury were able to continue working without missing any days. Three patients were lost to the final follow-up. The average splint duration was 24 days. Twenty-seven of 30 patients showed no change in alignment from start of splinting to end, while three showed some change but remained within non-operative criteria. Conclusion: A hand-based functional splint for metacarpal fractures allows for excellent maintenance of fracture reduction, early or immediate return to pre-injury activities, low patient morbidity, and maintains functional motion throughout treatment. It can be applied to any non-operative fracture of the second through the fifth metacarpal.