OBJECTIVE:  The duration of antibiotic coverage in hand tissues during surgery is unknown. We investigated the time the free concentration of cefuroxime was above the minimal inhibitory concentration (fT>MIC) of 4 μg/mL in hand tissues after single and repeated administration.
METHODS:  In a prospective, unblinded randomized study 16 patients (13 female, age range 51-80 years) underwent trapeziectomy. Microdialysis catheters were placed in the metacarpal bone (primary effect parameter), synovial sheath, and subcutaneous tissue. Patients were randomized to postoperative administration of either intravenous single administration of cefuroxime (1,500 mg) (Group 1, n = 8) or repeated dosing (2 x 1,500 mg) with a 4 h interval (Group 2, n = 8). Samples were taken over 8 h.
RESULTS: The fT>MIC of 4 μg/mL was found to be significantly longer in the metacarpal bone in Group 2 compared with Group 1 with a mean difference of 199 min (95% confidence interval 158-239). The same trend was evident in the remaining compartments. A concentration of 4 μg/mL was reached in all compartments in both groups within a mean time of 6 min (range 0-27 min). In Group 1, the mean concentrations decreased below 4 μg/mL between 3 h 59 min and 5 h 38 min.
CONCLUSIONS:  The fT>MIC was longer after repeated administration compared with single administration in all compartments. A single administration of cefuroxime 1,500 mg provided antimicrobial hand tissue coverage for a minimum of 3 h 59 min. Cefuroxime administration in hand surgeries should be done minimum 27 min prior to incision to achieve sufficient coverage in all individuals. Cefuroxime readministration should be considered in hand surgeries lasting longer than 4 h from time of administration.

BACKGROUND: Metacarpal fractures account for 25%-50% of all hand fractures and may negatively impact hand function and ability to work. Percutaneous transverse pinning of non-articular metacarpal fractures allows mobilisation immediately after the procedure.
METHODS: Between March 2017 and February 2022, 56 patients undergoing percutaneous transverse pinning for unstable metacarpal fractures were prospectively recruited. We investigated surgical outcomes in terms of Patient-rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) and pre-and post-operative radiographic evaluation. The Student t-test was used to compare the means of PRWHE values after surgery. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: The mean age was 40.21 ± 17.9 years (range of 16 to 86 years). The average operating time was 27.96 min. The mean follow-up period was 14.3 ± 6.4 months (from 2 to 41 months). The mean PRWHE score was 6.5 ± 1.8. None of the patients had clinically observable rotational deformities, and the functional outcomes were satisfactory.
CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transverse pinning for non-articular metacarpal fractures restores excellent function, and imaging results are satisfactory. Further high-quality clinical trials are required to validate these results on a larger scale.
METHODS: II, prospective cohort study.

A comparative analysis of 26 petrous bones and epiphyses of metacarpals from the Second World War era revealed no significant differences in DNA yield or success in STR typing. This unexpected parity in DNA preservation between the petrous bone, a renowned source of endogenous DNA in skeletal remains, and the epiphyses of metacarpals, which are porous and susceptible to taphonomic changes, is surprising. In this study, we introduced ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an approach to unravel the correlation between bone molecular structure and DNA preservation. Metacarpals and petrous bones with same taphonomic history were sampled and prepared for DNA analyses. While one portion of the sample was used for DNA analysis, the other underwent ATR-FTIR spectroscopic examination. The normalized spectra and FTIR indices between the epiphyses of metacarpals and petrous bones were compared. Because the taphonomic history of the remains used is relatively short and stable, the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy unveiled subtle structural differences between the two bone types. Petrous bones exhibited higher mineralization, whereas epiphyses contained more organic matter. The unexpected preservation of DNA in the epiphyses of metacarpals can likely be attributed to the presence of soft tissue remnants within the trabeculae. Here observed differences in the molecular structure of bones indicate there are different mechanisms enabling DNA preservation in skeletal tissues.

OBJECTIVE: Compare two simple ways for treating boxer\'s fractures in active adults; conservative management by ulnar gutter slab and transverse pinning in fixation of fifth metacarpal\'s neck fracture regarding union, functional outcomes, and complications.
METHODS: Ninety patients with fifth metacarpals\' neck fractures with palmar angulation (30-70°) were managed either conservatively by an ulnar gutter slab or surgically by transverse pinning technique from January 2020 to December 2021. Only 84 patients completed a 1-year follow-up. Patients with old, open, or mal-rotated fractures were excluded. The block-randomization method was used to create equal groups. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically every 2-3 weeks until union, then at 6 and 12 months. Functional assessment at the final visit was done using the quick DASH score, total active motion (TAM), and total Active Flexion (TAF).
RESULTS: The mean radiological union time for the conservative group in this study was 7.76 weeks, while for the transverse pinning group, it was 7.38 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference between the two techniques regarding union rates and functional outcomes. All patients returned to their pre-injury jobs and level of activity.
CONCLUSIONS: Both conservative management in ulnar gutter slab and percutaneous transverse pinning are considered effective methods in the treatment of simple extra-articular fifth metacarpal neck fractures with angulation between 30 and 70 degrees (AO: 77 A3.1). The functional and radiological results using both methods were satisfactory and statistically comparable.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of microplate trans-carpometacarpal joint fixation and non-trans-carpometacarpal joint fixation in treating fractures and dislocation or subluxation of the base of the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones.
METHODS: From 2015 to 2021, 100 cases of metacarpal basal fractures with dislocation or subluxation were randomly divided into the trans-carpometacarpal joint fixation group (group A) and non-trans-carpometacarpal joint fixation group (group B). Group A (n = 50) comprised 44 males and 6 females, with an average age of 28.8 ± 6.1 y and an Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) fracture classification of type B1 (n = 29) or C1 (n = 21). Group B (n = 50) comprised 45 males and 5 females, with an average age of 28.9 ± 5.7 y and an OTA fracture classification of type B1 (n = 28) or C1 (n = 22). All patients were complicated with dislocation or subluxation. The surgery time, fracture healing time, postoperative handgrip strength, and total active motion (TAM) scores of the ring and little fingers were recorded and compared between the two groups. The clinical efficacy of patients was evaluated using scoring methods such as DASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Mayo at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the general indexes, surgery time, or fracture healing time between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in handgrip strength and TAM scores of the ring and little fingers between the two groups at 3 and 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in these indexes 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the DASH, VAS, and Mayo scores at 3 and 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences between the two groups in the DASH and Mayo scores (P < 0.05) but not the VAS score (P > 0.05) 6 months postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of fourth and fifth metacarpal basal fractures with dislocation or subluxation, both microplate transarticular fixation and non-transarticular fixation could achieve fracture fixation and healing, and each method had advantages and disadvantages. The clinically appropriate fixation method should be selected according to the experience of the surgeon and the degree and type of fracture and dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) findings associated with metacarpal/metatarsal condylar fractures at the time of fracture repair and through healing.
METHODS: Prospective descriptive study.
METHODS: Fourteen Thoroughbred racehorses.
METHODS: 18F-NaF PET was performed within 4 days of surgical metacarpal/metatarsal condylar fracture repair, on both the injured and contralateral limb. Follow-up PET scans were offered at 3- and 5-months post fracture repair. Areas of abnormal uptake were assessed using a previously validated grading system.
RESULTS: Eight fractures were located in the parasagittal groove (PSG) (six lateral and two medial) and six fractures were located abaxial to the PSG (non-PSG) through the palmar/plantar condyle (all lateral). All horses in the latter group had uptake in the lateral palmar condyle of the contralateral limb suggestive of stress remodeling. Three horses with PSG fractures had uptake in a similar location in the contralateral limb. Horses with lateral condylar fracture only presented minimal or mild uptake in the medial condyle, which is considered atypical in the front limbs for horses in full training. Four horses developed periarticular uptake in the postoperative period suggestive of degenerative joint disease, three of these horses had persistent uptake at the fracture site. These four horses did not return to racing successfully.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide evidence of pre-existing lesions and specific uptake patterns in racehorses suffering from metacarpal/metatarsal condylar fractures.
CONCLUSIONS: PET has a possible role in the prevention, diagnosis, and postoperative monitoring of metacarpal/metatarsal condylar fractures in racehorses.

Metacarpal neck fracture is one of the most common types of hand fractures; the literature suggests that applying a bone plate on the dorsal side provides higher fixation strength than that provided by other fixation methods. However, bone plate fixation on the dorsal side may result in postoperative tendon adhesion. So far, no studies have investigated the fixation of metacarpal neck fractures on the volar side by using a bone plate. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in the fixation results between bone plate fixation on the dorsal side and bone plate fixation on the volar side of the metacarpal in the case of a metacarpal neck fracture. A saw blade was used to create a transverse metacarpal neck fracture on 14 artificial metacarpal bone specimens. The specimens were divided into 2 groups depending on the fixation method: a volar locking plate (VLP) group and a dorsal locking plate (DLP) group. All specimens were subjected to a cantilever bending test on a material testing system, and a force-displacement curve was used to measure the yield force and stiffness, which served as an indicator of the fixation ability of the 2 fracture fixation methods. For the experimental results, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the fixation abilities of the 2 fixation methods. In terms of yield force, the DLP group (266.9 ± 68.3 N) scored significantly higher than the VLP group (32.6 ± 2.7 N) (P < .05); expressed in terms of median, the DLP group scored 8.2 times higher than the VLP group. Similarly, in terms of stiffness, the DLP group (69.0 ± 13.4 N/mm, median ± interquartile range) scored significantly higher than the VLP group (12.9 ± 1.4 N/mm) (P < .05); expressed in terms of median, the DLP group scored 5.3 times higher than the VLP group. The fixation strength of volar bone plates is only about one-third of that of dorsal bone plates.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the clinical and radiological results of fifth metacarpal neck fractures treated with a short-arm plaster splint (SAPS) versus a dynamic metacarpal stabilization splint (DMSS).
METHODS: The 119 patients were referred to our institute between 2018 and 2019 and treated with SAPS or DMSS after appropriate initial closed reduction. Follow-up examinations were conducted at days 10 and 20, and at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. Alignment of the fracture, range of motion (ROM), and complications were evaluated during each visit. Grip strength was evaluated using a dynamometer. Self-care, usual daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were evaluated using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) and a VAS.
RESULTS: Of the 119 patients, 103 completed all follow up examinations. In total, 51 patients were treated with SAPS and 52 with DMSS. Skin lesions were detected in five patients in the DMSS group, but none in the SAPS group (p = 0.008). The grip strength of patients in the DMSS group was statistically better at the 1-, 2-month and 3-month follow-up visits (p < 0.001). ROM of the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints were statistically better in the DMSS group at the 1-month visit (p < 0.001) but similar at the 3-month visit (p = 0.27). Wrist ROM was statistically higher in the DMSS group at the 3-month visit (p < 0.05). Self-care, usual daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were statistically better in the DMSS group at all follow-up visits (p < 0.05), as determined by the EQ-5D-5L.
CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic stabilization of a stable boxer\'s fracture with DMSS is as effective as static stabilization with SAPS for maintaining the reduction and ensuring union. However, DMSS provides better early ROM, comfort, and muscle strength, as well as an earlier return to usual daily activities despite the occasional skin lesions happened.

OBJECTIVE: Wrist and thumb pathology can coexist leading to potential indications for proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and trapeziectomy. In this setting, the axial stability of the first ray is not known. We sought to evaluate axial subsidence of the first metacarpal in cadavers following trapeziectomy and trapeziectomy with PRC to determine the mechanical effects of the procedures performed concurrently.
METHODS: Eleven fresh-frozen cadaveric distal forearm specimens were used in this study. The specimens were fixed in cement and mounted to a material test system frame. A predetermined force (20 N) was applied to the thumb metacarpal to simulate forces observed with lateral pinch. Axial displacement of the thumb metacarpal was measured. The application of force was repeated following trapeziectomy on each hand and then again following PRC. Analysis was performed to compare thumb metacarpal subsidence of the 3 groups: native, trapeziectomy, and trapeziectomy with PRC.
RESULTS: Before trapeziectomy, native cadaver specimens had an average of 5.1 ± 1.9 mm of thumb metacarpal subsidence under the material test system load (20 N), compared to 16.2 ± 3.4 mm following trapeziectomy, and 25.0 ± 5.5 mm for trapeziectomy with PRC.
CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant increase in thumb metacarpal subsidence following concurrent trapeziectomy with PRC when compared to trapeziectomy alone. Our results suggest that performing both operations together would lead to a substantial risk of first ray subsidence.
CONCLUSIONS: When treating concurrent basilar thumb and wrist arthritis, it may be more effective to stage the procedures or use a form of thumb metacarpal suspension or arthrodesis.

OBJECTIVE: Several reports have suggested that transverse arches between the radial and ulnar sides of dorsal hand skin supply the proximal part of the skin. The main objective of the study was to provide an anatomical and radiological description of a superficial vascular arch in the proximal third of the metacarpals of the long fingers.
METHODS: We dissected 11 hands after injection with a mixture of lead and resin. A CT scan was performed before dissection. All vessels supplying the skin were individualized on the back of the hand and measured.
RESULTS: A superficial perforating dorsal arch of the hand was present in all cases in this study. It was supplied by a dorsal radial perforating artery arising from the radial artery and by a dorsal ulnar perforating artery arising from the dorsal carpal arch. The distal recurrences of the intermetacarpal spaces communicated with this arch. This arch was the only source of vascularization of thess proximal third of the third space and presented a dominant ulnar side in the majority of cases. It presented numerous anatomical variations. The source vessels had mean diameters of 0.5 mm. There was an excellent radiological-anatomical correlation on CT scan.
CONCLUSIONS: Given the constancy of this arch in the study, perforating flaps not yet described could be considered, having as pivot points the ulnar or radial origin of this arch.