[Use of an external minifixator in severe open injuries of the hand]

Since January 1979 we have treated 14 patients at the 1st University Clinic of Traumatology in Vienna with the MFE described by Jaquet. The MFE was used mainly in severe open fractures of fingers and metacarpal bones. All 14 patients were examined for follow-up after a mean interval of 20 months. This method of treatment warrants minimal strain on the soft tissues while it ensures stability and optimal care of the wounds. Osseous consolidation was achieved in 13 of 14 patients; although one patient developed pseudarthrosis, he was, like 12 other patients, perfectly satisfied with the result of surgery. Only one patient was less satisfied by the result, as there was a rotational and axial deviation of 30 degrees between the fragments. However she refused operative correction, as the deviation does not interfere with her profession.