Effect of Joint Use of External Minifixator and Titanium Lockplate on Total Active Motion Range and Hand Function Recovery in Comminuted Metacarpal and Phalanx Fracture Patients

Abstract

Objective. To explore the effect of joint use of external minifixator and titanium lockplate on total active motion (TAM) range and hand function recovery in comminuted metacarpal and phalanx fracture patients. Methods. The medical data of 70 patients with comminuted metacarpal and phalanx fracture treated in our hospital from June 2017 to June 2020 were screened for the retrospective study, and the patients were divided into the control group (Kirschner wire internal fixation) and the study group (an external minifixator with titanium lockplate) according to the treatment modalities, with 35 cases each. After treatment, the clinical efficacy of patients was compared between the two groups. Results. No between-group differences in patients’ general data were observed ( $P>0.05$ ); the time for hospital stay and fracture healing was obviously shorter in the study group than that in the control group ( $P<0.05$ ); after treatment, the study group obtained significantly higher TAM range good rate ( $P<0.05$ ), significantly higher Carroll hand function test pass rate ( $P<0.05$ ), and obviously better grip strength of both hands and score on digital opposition of thumb than those in the control group ( $P<0.05$ ); and after surgery, the study group had significantly lower incidence rates of complications such as infection, local inflammation, displacement of bone, and adhesion of tendon that those in the control group ( $P<0.05$ ). Conclusion. Joint use of an external minifixator and titanium lockplate can effectively promote the TAM range and accelerate hand function recovery for comminuted metacarpal and phalanx fracture patients and is conducive to reducing the incidence of postoperative complications, which is safe and has significant efficacy.