Muhammad Ali, Tayyab Shoaib, Muhammad Iqbal, Yasir Iqbal, Muhammad Ikram Ullah Khan, Muhammad Omer.
Kirschner Wire versus Miniplate Internal Fixation Effectiveness for Metacarpal Fractures in Pakistani Population.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;14(2):362-4.

Aim: To compare the outcome of K-wire with miniplate internal fixation in term of achievement of fracture union among patients suffering metacarpal fracture in our population Methods: This experimental study was done in Orthopedics ward, LGH, Lahore. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was utilized, and the sample size was 50 cases, with 25 patients in each group (A&B). Inclusion criteria include both genders, age 6-50 years, and patients that come within 2 weeks of metacarpal fracture while exclusion criteria include osteoporosis, fractures with bone loss, comminution to the extent that accurate reconstruction with firm cortical apposition is impossible, and refractures. Results: Among total 50 patients with metacarpal fracture patients, 52% had left side involved while 24(48%) had right side involved. 50% patients were managed with K-wire internal fixation (group 1) while other 50% with Miniplate internal fixation (group 2). The mean age of the first group patients was 34.44 +- 10.12 years while the mean age of the second group of the patients was 33.28 +- 9.09 years. Among 25metacarpal fracture patients managed with K-wires, none showed union at post-operative day 1, 2nd and 4th post-op week. After 6 post-op weeks, 1 (4%) patient had union, after 8 post-op weeks, 7 (28%) patients had union, on 10th post-op week, 18(72%) cases had union and on 3rd and 4th post-op month, in 24 (96%) cases union on radiographs was visible. Conclusion: Metacarpal fractures have excellent union rates with both K-wire and Miniplate internal fixation. 96% patients managed with K-wire and 100% patients managed with Miniplate achieved union after 4 months in our studied population. Both techniques proved equally effective for our patients regarding union of the metacarpal fracture as statistically difference in union rates was insignificant.

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