Background There is no clear evidence for the best treatment practice for metacarpal fractures. The purpose of this comparative study was to investigate whether the ante grade intramedullary nail (Bouquet technique) or low-profile mini plate allows for good clinical and radiological results for displaced metacarpal fractures.
Methods A series of 20 metacarpal fractures indicated for surgical fixation: 10 were managed by antegrade Intramedullary nailing ( Bouquet techniqe ) (group I) and 10 by low profile mini plate (group II). All patients were followed up for one year and results were analyzed on subjective and objective criteria (PVAS, Q-DASH, grip strength, TAM, blesky score, radiology (union and residual deformity), complications, operative time, time to union).
. Results No significant differences were found for PVAS, Q-DASH, TAM, time to radiological union Grip strength blesky score or residual deformities at last follow-up. Operative time and time off work were significantly shorter in the k-wire group.
Conclusion
Antegrade intramedullary K-wire nailing (Bouquet technique) was superior for the management of unstable metacarpal fractures because it has less operative time, less time of anesthesia. low cost , less technical demand with no disturbing of fractures biological evionment .