Comparative study of the clinical results of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures fixed by K-wires and AO mini-plates

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results of metacarpal and p halangeal fractures which were fixed with AO mini-plates and K-wires respectiv ely. Methods20 cases with 28 metacarpal or phalangeal fractures were treate d with A O mini-plates. Follow-up for this group was 4.7 months on average (range 2-12 mo nths). 30 cases with 41 metacarpal or phalangeal fractures were fixed by K-wire s and were followed up for more than one year postoperatively. Bone healing time a nd postoperative complications were recorded. Functions of metacarpophalangeal a nd interphalangeal joints were evaluated using TAF scales. ResultsAccording to TAF scales, excellent and good rate of 82.1% was achieved in cases treated with AO mini-plates, while in cases fixed with K-wires the excellent and good rate w as 70 7%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P 0 05). There were 19 open fractures of the AO mini-plate group. 3 of the m had infe c tion postoperatively. Among the 29 open fractures of the K-wire group, 5 had in f ections. All the fractures healed. The average duration of bone union was 4.8 we eks for the cases fixed with AO mini-plates, and 7.8 weeks for those fixed with K-wires. ConclusionAccording to comparison of the joint funct ion, postoperativ e infection and duration of bone healing between the two groups, fixation by AO mini-plates is more favorable in treating hand fractures than by using K-wires .