Fractures of the base of the first metacarpal bone: results of surgical treatment.

The treatment and results of a retrospective study are presented on 23 patients who underwent surgical treatment for a fracture of the base of the thumb metacarpal. The 12 patients with a Bennett fracture were not found to be suffering from limitations in their daily activities, work, sport or hobbies. In the majority of cases an anatomical or almost anatomical position was achieved and maintained using closed reduction and extra-articular Kirschner wire fixation. Two of the seven patients with a Rolando fracture were found to have complaints which gave rise to limitations in the above-mentioned activities. The results of the four patients with an extra-articular fracture were good. Owing to the favourable results obtained with closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation, this technique should be given preference over the more difficult open reduction and internal fixation.