Update on the treatment of metacarpal fractures

Abstract

Although most metacarpal fractures can be treated nonoperatively with closed reduction and immobilization, some incongruent, displaced, or unstable fractures will need operative stabilization. Acceptable operative techniques include Kirschner wire, intramedullary rod, cerclage wire, intraosseous wire, interfragmentary screw, plate, or external fixation. There have been multiple clinical and biomechanical studies evaluating the outcomes of these various operative options with satisfactory results. Current studies have focused on the treatment of metacarpal shaft fractures, mainly on the topic of dorsal plating constructs. This article serves to provide a review of the most recent articles regarding the operative treatment of metacarpal fractures.