Carpometacarpal fracture dislocation of the fourth and fifth finger: mid-term results of 15 patients.

Objectives: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate and compare the mid-term clinical follow-up results of patients who were treated with open or closed reduction due to carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocation.

Patients and methods: Medical charts of 15 patients (1 male, 14 females; mean age 32.5±10.5 years; range 18 to 55 years) who were operated for fourth and fifth finger CMC fracture dislocations were examined. Patients were divided into two groups according to applied treatment as closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP, n=6) and open reduction and percutaneous pinning (ORPP, n=9). Patients were assessed by a hand therapist blinded to the treatment groups. Patients were compared in respect of visual analog scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) scores, and grip strength. Complications were recorded.

Results: Mean VAS values of ORPP group and CRPP group were 2.33±0.50 and 1.67±0.52, respectively. Mean Q-DASH values of ORPP group and CRPP group were 13.63±3.21 and 9.05±2.36, respectively. Mean grip strength values of ORPP group and CRPP group were 65.78±3.70 and 75.17±6.11, respectively. Mean VAS and Q-DASH scores of ORPP group were statistically significantly higher compared to CRPP group. Mean grip strength value of CRPP group was statistically significantly higher compared to ORPP group.

Conclusion: Treatment of fourth and fifth finger CMC fracture dislocations with CRPP results in statistically superior VAS, Q-DASH and grip strength values in the early post-injury period.