A 4-year study of the use of the short metacarpal cast in the management of metacarpal shaft fractures. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Street, Julia; Nessa, Luthfun; Logan, Andrew; Trickett, Ryan W
• Is Part Of: Journal of hand surgery. Volume 46:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 936
• Page End: 940
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Metacarpal -- fracture -- cast -- conservative; 617.575059
• DOI: 10.1177/17531934211024579
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-1934

Abstract

We report on our experience of using a short, moulded metacarpal cast over a 4-year period in the non-surgical management of metacarpal shaft fractures. Between 6 April 2015 and 6 April 2019, 117 patients were treated using this method. The majority were male, and the mean age was 24.6 years. The most common mechanism of injury was a punch injury (73 patients, 62%). Fifteen patients (13%) were treated for multiple metacarpal fractures. Immediately after cast removal, 68% had a full range of finger movement and 68% were pain free. Few required formal hand therapy. Fifteen patients experienced minor complications, primarily soft tissue irritation from the cast and non-limiting extensor lag. The moulded short metacarpal cast is an effective non-surgical treatment for angulated extra-articular metacarpal fractures of the diaphysis and diametaphyseal junction. Level of evidence: IV