Metacarpal Fractures: Anatomy, Injuries and Treatment-Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Methods of Intramedullary K-Wire Fixation of Transverse Metacarpal Shaft Fractures

Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Methods of Intramedullary K-Wire Fixation of Transverse Metacarpal Shaft Fractures

Pdf Summary

This scientific article compares the biomechanical stiffness of two methods of intramedullary K-wire fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures. The study compared the stiffness of a single 1.6mm-diameter wire versus three 0.8mm-diameter wires in a composite bone-wire construct. The results showed that the stiffness of the single-wire construct was significantly greater than the multiple-wire construct. The mean stiffness of the single-wire construct was 3.20 N/mm, while the mean stiffness of the multiple-wire construct was 0.76 N/mm. These findings suggest that using a single larger-diameter wire provides more stability in the plane of finger flexion-extension. The study highlights the importance of intramedullary wire diameter and number in conferring stability to a metacarpal fracture fixation construct. It also emphasizes the clinical relevance of using a single large-diameter wire for the treatment of metacarpal fractures. However, the study has some limitations, such as not testing for rotational stability and not testing with axial or impact loading. Further research is needed to address these limitations and better understand the interactions between multiple wires. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the biomechanics of intramedullary K-wire fixation for metacarpal fractures and contributes to the development of improved treatment techniques.

Keywords

scientific article

biomechanical stiffness

intramedullary K-wire fixation

metacarpal shaft fractures

single-wire construct

multiple-wire construct

wire diameter

stability

finger flexion-extension

metacarpal fracture fixation