Rolando's fracture.

The relationship between methods of treatment, quality of reduction and the occurrence of late disability and osteo-arthritic changes was studied in 17 Rolando's fractures. Three were undisplaced, 14 were displaced: of these excellent reduction was achieved in five of 11 treated by open reduction and in none of the three treated by percutaneous K wire fixation. After a median interval of 5.8 years, six of 16 reviewed patients had minor symptoms, while nine had no symptoms. Radiographic examination of 11 patients showed signs of osteoarthritis in six. We did not establish a relationship between the quality of reduction and the occurrence of late symptoms and osteoarthritis.