[Results of surgical treatment of fractures of the metacarpus and fingers].

Ninety-one patients with 108 fractures of the metacarpal and/or finger bones were treated by surgery between January 1974 and June 1982. 70 patients (76.9%) with 81 surgically treated fractures could be checked up after 3 3/4 years on an average. 24.3% out of these patients suffered from associated soft tissue leasions, 25.7% suffered from multiple fractures. 41 out of the 81 surgical interventions were performed for fractures of the metacarpus and 40 for fractures of the finger bones. The results were classified according to an evaluation scheme established for this purpose and containing the following parameters: mobility, trophism and sensitivity, gripping functions, force, and X-ray findings. Subjective troubles were evaluated, too. The great value of osteosynthesis in the surgical treatment of the hand is confirmed by the overall results with 92% of very good or good results and 7% of satisfactory results in metacarpal fractures and 60% of very good or good results, 36% of satisfactory results and 3% of poor results in fractures of the finger bones, the more as patients treated by surgery represent a negative selection among all patients treated for fractures of the bones of the hand. The results were classified and evaluated according to fracture site, severity of associated injuries, and method of osteosynthesis applied.