Comminuted fractures of the base of the first metacarpal treated by distraction-external fixation.

A new technique is presented for the treatment of comminuted intraarticular fractures of the base of the thumb metacarpal. A triangular Hoffmann external radius and first- and second-metacarpal fixator is used. The reduction is maintained by prolonged distraction and abduction of the first metacarpal bone. The application of the technique in three cases is reported.