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The advantages of using multiple joint sparing antegrade intramedullary wiring for displaced, transverse and short oblique fractures of the small long bones of the hand has been well documented. This technique provides stable three-point fixation and permits early range of motion exercises to prevent hand stiffness. But in some revision cases where there is a breach or deficiency of subchondral bone due to previous intramedullary wiring or in old neglected juxta articular fractures of the metacarpal, proximal phalanx or middle phalanx with disuse osteopenia, there is a high chance of inadvertent joint penetration with intra medullary wiring, inspite of using blunt tipped bent K wires. This could happen intraoperatively or later in the follow up due to collapse of the fracture ends. We describe an innovative fixation technique which ensures stable fixation, no joint penetration and enables early range of motion to prevent hand stiffness.

We report a rare case of intramedullary spinal cord abscess. The patient was operated on by surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Improvement was seen postoperatively. Significant changes in the presentation, management, and outcome in these more recent cases are emphasized.

Design: Study on the cases of the united interlocked intramedullary (IM) nailed humeral shaft fractures. Objective: To assess the healing pattern of nailed humeral shaft fracture and to compare it with the results of the other previous authors’ nail-treated large bone fractures. Background data: Based on the relevant previous studies related with healing patterns of the interlocked IM nail-managed humeral shaft fractures, the current age-matched study on the participating callus for union was conceived. The comparative study on the healing patterns between the fractures of non-weight-bearing long bone — the humerus — and other large weight-bearing long bones have never been carried out previously. Materials and methods: Eighty-nine cases of the humeral shaft fractures, fixated with antegrade interlocked IM standard Kuentscher nail were subjected to the study. The patients’ ages ranged from the late teens to 9th decade of life. For the antegrade nailing, two entry points were chosen; conventional entry point in the early series, and rotator cuff interval in the late series. Results: External callus was very rarely formed [12 cases (13.4%)]. It was formed at post-fixation 6.5 weeks on average in cases with unreduced displaced fragment, and proximal interlocking. Radiographic union occurred at post-fixation 17.6 weeks on an average by primary osteonal callus. Conclusion: It was concluded that in most cases union was obtained primarily by the contact or gap healing irrespective of the patients’ ages, and that periosteal participation was very rare or negligible. Use of smaller diameter nail or new development of less rigid IM nail without external nail shape change is thought desirable to induce periosteal callus in early healing stage.

Background: There is no consensus as to which is the best way to fix unstable extra-articular phalangeal fractures. We performed a literature review to determine outcomes using intramedullary cannulated compression screws.

Methods: PubMed, Medline and Embase databases were searched for English language articles reporting the use of one or more intramedullary screw(s) for fixation of an acute extra-articular phalangeal fracture in adults that reported outcome data.

Results: A total of 62 abstracts were identified, of which 14 full-text articles were eligible for full-text screening for the inclusion criteria. Of these 14 articles, seven articles were included in the final study. Data on 146 phalangeal fractures were aggregated with an average patient age of 36 (18–84). 89% (130/146) fractures were of the proximal phalanx, the remainder of the middle phalanx. Surgical technique was mostly a minimally invasive technique under fluoroscopy guidance using an anterograde technique. One paper described a retrograde method. Screw diameter varied from 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm. Where the radiographic union was reported, all fractures united. Range of motion averaged 231° (range 95°–295°) in four studies. Return to work was reported as 6.4 weeks (range 0.9–16.7 weeks) in one study. Different quality-of-life scores were reported by the studies (DASH 3.52 (range 1–45), QuickDASH score of 3.9 and DASH score of 3.9). Complications rate was 5% (8/146) including 5 major complications and 3 minor in the pooled results.

Conclusions: This literature review demonstrates that fixation of extra-articular fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges with cannulated compression screws is a safe and successful surgical treatment with faster mobilization and return to work with fewer complications, including stiffness, than have been reported with plates and screws and percutaneous K-wires. This application is limited to transverse and short oblique extra-articular fractures.

Background: This study introduces a novel method for the management of closed metacarpal neck fractures. Kirschner wires (K-wire) are introduced in a retrograde and the wires withdrawn through skin proximally at the base of the metacarpal. The fracture is reduced using traction and the reduction is maintained by antegrade advancement of the K-wires. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of this technique.

Methods: A total of 36 patients with severely angulated closed metacarpal neck fractures underwent reduction and fixation using this novel method from January 2017 to December 2020 in centres in Ireland and Saudi Arabia. We performed a retrospective review of these patients’ clinical data examining their outcomes.

Results: Six months postoperatively, all fractures demonstrated bony union and correction of angulation. All patients exhibited excellent range of motion (ROM) with no significant impairment of hand function.

Conclusions: The method detailed here is a simple, minimally invasive and reliable technique that has not previously been described. It is suitable for use in the management of closed metacarpal neck fractures of the fourth and fifth metacarpal, with dorsal angulation greater than 60°.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)

The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) is critical for proper finger and hand function. Arthritis of this joint can lead to significant pain and functional impairment. The APEX IP^® Extremity Medical fusion device (Extremity Medical, Parsippany, New Jersey, USA) is an interlocking intramedullary screw device that provides a reliable method of hand PIPJ arthrodesis with good patient outcomes. We describe an easily reproducible surgical technique guide for using this device.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)

Background: Intramedullary screws (IMS) have become a viable option for metacarpal fracture fixation. To further appraise their utility, this study assessed clinical and patient-reported short- and medium-term outcomes of IMS fixation for extra-articular metacarpal fractures.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in a series of 32 patients (with a total of 37 fractures) who underwent metacarpal fracture fixation over a 42-month period between January 2020 and July 2023.

Results: Mean time for return to work was 39.8 days; mean time for return to full function was 88.4 days; total active motion was 250.7° (range: 204.9–270.9); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 2.3 (range: 0–22.7); mean visual analogue pain score was 0.9 out of 10 (range: 0–6) and a single complication was observed.

Conclusions: The use of IMS in metacarpal fracture fixation is a practicable surgical option. IMS fixations yields a satisfactory duration for return to function, good postoperative range of movement, modest pain scores and low rates of complications.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)