Long-term evaluation of Bennett's fracture. A comparison between open and closed reduction.

18 patients with Bennett's fracture were evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 10.7 years. Treatment consisted of closed reduction and K-wire fixation in seven cases and open reduction with osteosynthesis in 11 cases. Overall, symptoms were few and restricted mobility of the thumb could not be demonstrated. The strength of the affected hand was decreased in all patients regardless of the type of treatment. Osteoarthritis was found to correlate with the quality of reduction of the fracture, but had developed in almost all cases even after exact reduction. Exact reduction, either by the open or closed method, should be the aim of treatment of Bennett's fracture.