Concurrent dorsal dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the index, long, ring, and small (second to fifth) carpometacarpal joints.

OBJECTIVE

To review the outcome of patients with concurrent dorsal dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the second, third, fourth, and fifth carpometacarpal (CMC) joints treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS: Between 1991 and 1997, twelve multiply injured patients with the described CMC injury complex (one open injury) were treated with ORIF (eleven patients) or percutaneous wire fixation (one patient) by the same surgeon.

INTERVENTION: Treatment consisted of ORIF with Kirschner wires followed by splints and immediate metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint range of motion exercises.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Grip strength, wrist and finger range of motion, pain, need for additional surgery, and return to work.

RESULTS

Of the ten patients available for follow-up (mean, three years), all had been treated with ORIF (eight within forty-eight hours of injury and two had treatment delayed for four weeks because of delayed diagnosis and management of more serious injuries). Three patients had additional surgery (planned secondary second and third CMC arthrodeses). Grip strength of the operated hand in the five patients with JAMAR testing was 50 percent (n = 3), 75 percent (n = 1), and 90 percent (n = 1) of that in their contralateral hands. Five patients were pain-free, and five reported occasional, activity-related pain. The five patients who worked before the injury returned to their previous occupations (one with slightly modified duties).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest series of patients with this CMC injury complex and the first report of open CMC dorsal dislocations and fracture-dislocations. Although early ORIF is suggested, delay of up to four weeks did not adversely affect results.