Background: The most effective method for fixation of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures has not been established. Two commonly used surgical techniques are K-wire and miniplate fixations. We performed a prospective randomized trial to compare these two treatment strategies.Materials and Methods: A total of 112 patients with 122 metacarpal and phalangeal fractures were recruited into this study. The patients were randomized to receive fracture fixation with one of the two methods. The operative time, pain scale, success of union, time of union, total active range of motion (ROM), total active motion (TAM) and complications were assessed.Results: Sixty-three fractures were treated with K-wire fixation and the rest were treated with miniplate fixation. The K-wire group was associated with significantly shorter operative time (P<0.01). There were no differences in postoperative pain, rate of union, healing time of the successful case, total active ROM, TAM and complications.Conclusion: The K-wire technique has similar effective results compared to the miniplate technique in the treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fracture with a shorter operative time.

Thai Journal of Surgery ปี 2552, January-June ปีที่: 30 ฉบับที่ 1 หน้า 5-10