Jornal de Pesquisa Clínica

Comparative Study of the Different Modalities of Treatment of Boxer's Fracture

Abstract

Amit Kale, Shail Shah, Clevio Desouza, Jaiman Sharma and Chiranjivi Jani

Introduction: Fifth metacarpal neck fracture is the most common fracture of the hand. It is often related to aggressive, intentional punching Due to intrinsic muscle pull, the metacarpal head angulates volarly. Some of the most common causes of hand injuries are crush/compression injuries, blunt trauma, fall, road traffic accidents, machinery injury, sports related activity, explosions and firearm injuries. A variety of methods and algorithms are available to treat the metacarpal fractures. In our study we have aimed to compare the different modalities of treatment of boxer’s fracture in the form of conservative treatment, k-wire and JESS fixator.

Materials and methods: This was a prospective study conducted from January 2021 to June 2021. 45 subjects were included in one study and divided into three groups randomly for the different treatment modalities in the form of K wire, JESS fixator and closed reduction with POP slab for boxer’s fracture. Follow up was assessed using DASH score.

Results: Only 26.6% of the patients in group A as compared to 60% in group B had excellent results. 46.6% of the patients in group C had excellent results. The study revealed a poor outcome in 26.6% of group A, 13.3% of group B and 20% of group C patients.

Conclusion: From the results, we could conclude that JESS fixator was more effective than other two modalities in the treatment of boxer’s fracture with the emphasis to be provided on regular pin tract dressing.