Online ISSN: 2515-8260

K Wire Versus Mini Plate Fixation For Metacarpal Fractures

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1Dr. Nikhil Gupta, 2Dr. Abdul Basit, 3Dr. Sunil Kumar Sharma, 4Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, 5Dr. Neeraj Mahajan, 6Dr. Aakash Deep, 7Dr. Dinesh Kumar Chadgal

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalent upper limb fractures caused by direct strikes, axial stress, and torsional loading are metacarpal fractures. The restoration of normal motion is the overarching goal of all fracture treatments, although the best stabilisation method is still up for debate. Kirschner wires (K wires) or miniplates can both be used for internal fixation, and each has its benefits. K wire use versus miniplate use in treating metacarpal fractures has not been compared in any prior research. The results of using K-wire and miniplates to treat metacarpal fractures were therefore evaluated in this randomised control trial. Materials and methods: During June 2019-2022, this randomised controlled experiment was carried out in the orthopaedic surgery department of a hospital. In this study, 75 patients were enrolled, and they were divided into two groups at random. Both K-wire fixation and miniplate fixation were used to treat the two groups, respectively. Total active motion (TAM), range of motion (ROM), injury duration, and complication rate were all evaluated. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0, was used to analyse the data (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). P values less than 0.05 were regarded as significant. Results: Patients treated with K-wire had mean surgery times of 38.63 ±3.64 minutes, pain scores of 4.17 ±1.11, and time to union of 12.95 ±3.38 weeks, respectively. Table 2 shows that 38 fractures (95%) successfully united. Patients who underwent miniplate fixation had mean surgery times of 52.34 ±3.45 minutes, a mean pain score of 5.25 ±1.57, and a mean time to union of 11.80 ±2.38 weeks, respectively. 34 fractures successfully joined together (97.1%). Patients with miniplate fixation had better total active ROM than those with K-wire, although this difference was not statistically significant Conclusion: When used to treat metacarpal fractures, K-wire fixation and miniplate fixation are both equally effective in terms of TAM, ROM, and complications.

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