Background: Metacarpal fractures are frequently disregarded or mistreated as minor injuries, leading to severe impairment and deformity, including permanent immobilization of intricate hand movements. Our objective was to evaluate and compare the functional, clinical and radiological outcome of fixing unstable metacarpal fractures using antegrade inramedullary compression headless screws (IMHS) (Herbert Screws).
Methods: This prospective research was performed on ten cases who were candidates for treatment of metacarpal fractures surgically at Benha University Hospitals. All patients were subjected to personal history, past history, history of present illness, side affected, mechanism of injury, time since injury, and medical comorbidities, neurovascular and local assessment of affected limb and radiological assessment.
Results: Regarding the outcome, the mean pain score was 0.9 ±1.1, Out of the total cases, a pain score of 0 was reported in 5 cases (50%), a score of 1 was reported in 2 cases (20%), a score of 2 was reported in 2 cases (20%), and a score of 3 was reported in 1 case (10%). According to complications, the majority of cases had no complications (80%), one case had shortening, and one cases had stiffness.
Conclusions: The use of Herbert screws allowed for successful fracture reduction and union, with good range of motion, grip strength, and overall patient satisfaction. These findings suggest that IMHS can be considered as a reliable option for treating unstable metacarpal fractures surgically, providing clinicians with a valuable alternative in their surgical decision-making process.