Year Book: Functional Treatment of Metacarpal Fractures: 100

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Randomized Cases With or Without Fixation. Konradesen-L. Nielsen-PT. Albrecht-Beste-E. 1992 Year Book of Orthopedics. Article 8-3. Original Article: Acta Orthop Scand. 1990. 61. pp 531-534. Methods.--One hundred patients with subcapital or diaphyseal fractures of the second through fifth metacarpal were randomized to be treated with a plaster or functional cast (Table 1). All fractures were reduced under local anesthesia using the method of Jahss. In the plaster cast group, the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and the proximal interphalangeal joints of the involved and adjacent digits were immobilized, and the wrist was held in 20 degrees to 30 degrees of extension. The functional cast allowed free range of motion (Fig 8-2), with reduction performed after application. Both casts were removed at 3 weeks.