Outcomes of metacarpal and phalangeal fracture management with plate and screw fixation at Viet Duc University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The hand holds an essential role in our lives, it is the tool for labor and daily activities. There are numerous methods to treat metacarpal and phalangeal fractures and plate fixation, which have many benefits. This technique has been routinely applied at Viet Duc University Hospital for a significant duration, showing promising therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the consequences of operative fixation with microplates in treating metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in adults.

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive retrospective study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with metacarpal and phalangeal fractures and underwent plate fixation surgery at Viet Duc University Hospital from 01/2020 to 06/2021.

Results: The anatomical corrections of the fractures archived positive results, with good alignment and no patients experiencing significant displacement of the fracture over 10o or fracture area greater than 3mm. The success rate for bone fusion appeared in 97.3% of cases, with only one patient experiencing delayed fusion after 3 months. Evaluating postoperative hand functions based on TAM score showed good and excellent results, accounting for 94.6%

Conclusions: The application of plate and screw fixation for treating metacarpal and phalangeal fractures results in improved functional outcomes of the hand when compared to other therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: metacarpal and phalangeal fractures, plate fixations, hand functions.

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