Hand Function of Patients with Fifth Metacarpal Bone Neck Fractures Treated Conservatively
Abstract
Introduction: The fifth metacarpal bone (5th MCB) fracture is common particularly among the young adults. Treatment options for 5th MCB neck fractures can be treated surgically. Studies suggest non-surgical treatment also yields good outcomes No established guideline on optimal treatment strategy exists. This study was performed to measure functional outcomes of 5th MCB neck fracture treated conservatively.
Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done to assess hand function in patients with 5th MCB neck fractures treated non-operatively from January 2015 to September 2023 at HPUSM. Grip strength in both injured and contralateral hands were measured and QuickDASH questionnaire was utilised to evaluate function. Flexion gap measurements was also analysed.
Results: There were total of 43 patients, [35 males (81.4%) and 8 females (18.6%)] included in this study. There was a significant drop in mean grip strength compared injured to the contralateral normal hand with percentage loss is averaging 11.5%. QuickDASH points accumulated showed 36 patients (83.7%) with ‘Good’ outcome while 7 patients (16.3%) having ‘Satisfactory’ outcomes. Most common complication was cosmetic (30.2%), followed by reduced ROM in 8 patients. Residual pain was present in five patients. Out of 43 patients, 3 patients had flexion gap deformity.
Conclusion: The overall scores from the QuickDASH questionnaire showed no significant drop in functional outcome. There was significant decline in mean grip strength. Most patients had favourable outcomes. Conservative treatment for 5th MCB neck fracture is still a good option of treatment. Further evaluation comparing outcome with operated cases will be worthwhile.
Abstract | Reference
