Rolando's fracture treated by closed reduction and external fixation.

In 11 patients with a Rolando's fracture of the first metacarpal, the mini-Hoffman external fixation was used to maintain closed reduction of the fracture, with two pins placed distally in the first metacarpal and one pin proximally in the trapezium. The results were excellent in 7 patients; in 3 patients mild arthritis was noted radiographically, and one patient had a poor result because of severe postraumatic arthritis 1-5 years (mean 30 months) after the injury. This method of treatment is proposed for patients with Rolando's fracture as it is very easily performed and provides good results.