[Long-term results of treatment of Bennett fractures]

Independent of the type of treatment alterations of the saddle joint invariably can be radiologically verified several years after Bennett's fractures, even in the case of accurate reduction. Painful arthroses are, however, surprisingly rare, even following poor realignment. If the radiological and the late clinical results of the three therapies discussed, that is, plaster immobilisation, closed wire fixation, and open wire fixation, are compared, the closed wire fixation is in every respect the most successful treatment. Technically uncomplicated, it yields in most cases a satisfactory late result. Based on the reexamination of our patients we therefore recommend closed wire fixation, which is technically simple and does not call for a complex after-treatment, as the method of choice for the treatment of Bennett's fracture.