A Novel Tie to Assist Metacarpal Fracture Reduction and Fixation

Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of a novel tie assisted open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of metacarpal fractures. Methods A total of 8 cases of metacarpal fractures were treated with novel tie assisted open reduction plate and screw internal fixation. We evaluated the results based on the complications, fracture healing time, return to work time, grip strength, range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP), disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and patient satisfaction. Results The mean operative time was 38.5 minutes, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 23.13 mL, the mean times of fluoroscopies was 3.5, and all patients achieved anatomic reduction or near-anatomic reduction. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 months. All patients achieved fracture healing and the mean bone union time was 7.5 weeks. The mean DASH score was 2.29, the mean VAS score was 0.5, the mean ROM of the MCP was 96.75% and the mean grip strength was 97.88% of the healthy finger, and the mean time to return to work was 8.5 ± 2.07 weeks. According to the Short Assessment of Patient Satisfaction, 7 cases were very satisfied and 1 case was satisfied. There were no complications such as infection, tendon injury, loosening, slipping, breaking or even loss of fracture reduction related to the the tie. Conclusions The novel tie is a convenient, efficient and safe means of assisted reduction and fixation of metacarpal fractures. Clinical trial number: not applicable.