Early Return of Motion in Patients With Intramedullary Screw Placement for Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fracture Fixation

Abstract

Introduction Hand fractures are associated with significant morbidity. Current management standards often result in prolonged immobilization, stiffness, and delayed return to functional use. Intramedullary (IM) compression screws offer minimal soft tissue disruption and early postoperative active motion. In this study, we describe our outcomes after intraosseous fracture fixation using IM cannulated headless screws for a multitude of fracture patterns. Methods This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent IM screw placement for fixation of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures by a single surgeon from 2017 to 2022. Data were collected to include patient demographics, fracture details, postoperative complications, and follow-up. Time to range of motion and return to unrestricted motion was recorded. Results There were 69 patients with 92 fractures (n = 54 metacarpal, n = 38 phalanx). The median patient age was 45 years (range, 18–89 years) with 75.4% males. Majority presented with a single fracture (n = 50, 72.5%), and 38 patients (55.1%) had open fractures. Small finger was the most affected digit (n = 35, 37.6%). The median time to allow range of motion from surgery was 8.7 days (interquartile range, 0–32) with 32 days (interquartile range, 10–62) for unrestricted use of the hand. Thirty-five patients (50.7%) were allowed controlled motion from the first postoperative day. One patient had loss of reduction requiring reintervention for hardware removal, and 1 patient had superficial skin infection managed with oral antibiotics. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the IM screw provides reliable fixation for a wide variety of fracture patterns with a low complication rate and offers early return to functional use.