Fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture dislocations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of patients with surgically treated 4th and 5th carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocation.

METHODS: The study included 9 CMC dislocation patients (9 males; mean age: 31.2 years, range: 20 to 40 years) treated with open reduction and internal fixation between 2008 and 2012. Mean follow-up period was 19.4 months. Mean interval between trauma and operation was 10.7 (range: 3 to 35) days. Radiological evaluation was performed at the final follow-up. Hand grip power was measured using a hand dynamometer and the injured and uninjured sides were compared.

METHODS: There was a statistically significant difference compared to the injured side in hand dynamometer measurements (p<0.05). Three patients experienced pain during heavy labor. Among these cases, 2 had delayed diagnosis and 1 a comminuted CMC dislocation and was unable to return to his previous job. There were no recurrent dislocations or revision surgery due to complications.

CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment of 4th and 5th CMC dislocation results in good anatomical and functional results. Delayed or incorrect diagnosis of this region causes severe radiological and functional problems. Detailed physical and radiological examination can prevent CMC dislocation from being overlooked.