Intramedullary K-Wire with Immediate Mobilisation versus Percutaneous Transverse K-Wire Fixation for Transverse Metacarpal Shaft Fractures.
J Hand Surg Asian Pac VolAug 31, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOrthopedic Surgery
Parod Teantunyakij, Wuttipong Siriwittayakorn, Phornphong Isariyaphruet et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the outcomes of intramedullary K-wire fixation without immobilization versus percutaneous transverse K-wire fixation with splinting in 20 patients with transverse metacarpal shaft fractures. Results showed that the IM K-wire group had significantly better metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion and lower DASH scores at 4 weeks, indicating faster recovery.
Key findings
- Group A had significantly superior MCP joint ROM at 4 weeks compared to Group B.
- Group A's DASH scores were lower than Group B's at 4 weeks, exceeding the MCID threshold.
- All patients achieved bone union with no complications in either group.
Why it matters
The study suggests that early mobilization after intramedullary K-wire fixation can enhance functional recovery in patients with metacarpal fractures, potentially influencing postoperative management strategies.