Intra-Articular Fracture of the Base of the First Metacarpal Bone: Treatment Through a Volar Approach.

BACKGROUND: Management of Bennett fractures has been controversial. Early reports supported closed reduction and casting with or without percutaneous pinning. Later, open reduction and internal fixation was advocated. The purpose of this article is to assess the surgical treatment using a direct volar approach.

METHODS: Between March 2008 and December 2014, 21 patients with intra-articular first metacarpal fractures displaced more than 1 mm were operated on using a direct volar approach. Fixation was done with micro-screws or K-wires, always placed from ulnar to radial during thumb supination. The articular step-off, secondary displacement incidence and consolidation rate time were measured. At final follow-up, we assessed the thumbs for range of motion, residual pain, and grip strength. Sensitive areas around the scar were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 8 months.

RESULTS: Anatomical reduction was achieved in all cases. One secondary displacement was registered. The mean distance between the tip of the thumb and the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint was less than 10 mm; reposition was complete. Mean palmar abduction was 63°. Grip strength averaged 84.6% of the opposite side. The mean visual analog scale score was 0. No sensory disturbances around the scar were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS: The complete visualization of the first metacarpal articular surface is hard to accomplish from the dorsoradial aspect of the hand. The volar approach offers an excellent fracture exposure. It is possible to place the osteosynthesis in ulna-radial fashion from the smaller fragment achieving correct reduction and stabilization. In spite of the proximity to the radial and median nerve branches, we found no complications.