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We report a single-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture to sham (non-penetrating) needling for relief of symptoms of basal thumb joint arthritis. Seventy acupuncture naive patients with basal thumb joint arthritis were randomized to receive true acupuncture or sham needling with 35 patients in each arm. Blinded baseline and post-treatment assessments included visual analogue pain scores for different grips and movement. Function was assessed using the Nelson questionnaire. Both groups showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in pain at week one post-treatment compared with baseline, but there was no difference between the treatment groups. The pain relief was comparable with published data for some standard treatments. Acupuncture did not perform better than sham needling in this study, indicating that pain relief may have been achieved through non-specific mechanisms. Level of evidence: I.

Background: Trapeziectomy is considered to be the "gold standard" procedure for first carpometacarpal joint (first CMCJ) osteoarthritis. First CMCJ denervation offers the potential benefit of a shorter procedure with bone and joint preservation and swift postoperative rehabilitation. This trial aimed to compare functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and cost effectiveness following these treatments., Methods: This study was a prospective clinical trial commencing December 2005 to November 2013. A range of functional outcomes assessments were used preoperatively at 6 and 12 mo and 5 y after surgery. These included measurements of strength/motion, visual analogue score, Michigan Hand Outcomes and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaires. Data were analyzed using a two-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test., Results: A total of 45 patients were studied of 55 recruited. Age ranged from 41 to 72 (mean = 59). Thirty-five patients underwent denervation and 10 initially had trapeziectomy. Nine patients were converted to trapeziectomy within an average of 6 to 12 mo. There was no significant difference in the functional outcomes at different points of follow-ups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the time of return to work or cost effectiveness. Denervation achieved a success rate of just above 70%, whereas no revisions were required for the trapeziectomy group., Conclusions: There was no difference between the two treatments. First CMCJ denervation does not appear to be superior to trapeziectomy. However, the advantage of rapid rehabilitation makes it more favored by patients but at the expense of 30% reoperation rate., Level of Evidence: Level II., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes destruction of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, leading to hand deformities, pain, and loss of function. This study prospectively assessed long-term functional and health-related quality-of-life outcomes in RA patients with severe deformity at the MCP joints., Methods: RA patients between ages 18 to 80 years with severe deformity at the MCP joints were referred to 1 of the 3 study sites. Subjects who elected to undergo silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty (SMPA) while continuing with medical management were followed in the SMPA cohort. Subjects who elected to continue with medical management alone without surgery were followed in the non-SMPA cohort. Objective measurements included grip and pinch strength as well as arc of motion, ulnar drift, and extensor lag of the MCP joints. Patient-reported outcomes included the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales questionnaire. Radiographs of SMPA implants were assessed and graded as intact, deformed, or fractured., Results: MHQ scores showed large improvements post-SMPA, and baseline-adjusted expected outcomes in the SMPA group were significantly better at year 7 in function, aesthetics, satisfaction, and overall score compared to non-SMPA. SMPA subjects did not improve in grip or pinch strength, but achieved significant improvement and maintained the improvement long term in ulnar drift and extensor lag., Conclusion: Benefits of the SMPA procedure are maintained over 7 years with low rates of implant fracture or deformity. Non-SMPA patients remained stable in their hand function over the 7-year study duration., (© 2016, American College of Rheumatology.)

Needlestick and 'sharps' injuries among those working with animals are a significant, under-reported and often ill-understood problem. Many patients present initially to Emergency Departments, where their potential to cause local and systemic infections and injury, zoonoses, allergic or anaphylactic reactions and death may be unrecognized. Increased awareness of the possibility of adverse effects and the consequences of these specific injuries is essential.

Background: Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) is a common condition causing significant disability. The aim of this study is to ascertain whether an intra-articular corticosteroid injection leads to pain relief and increased function and what is the duration and magnitude of this effect., Methods: A systematic review with a critical appraisal of identified studies that met the inclusion criteria was performed. Two authors performed the literature review by independently searching the Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar databases., Results: A total of 118 relevant articles were found, but only nine studies met the inclusion criteria which included 4 double-blinded randomised control trials (RCTs) and 5 prospective case series. There is some evidence in the literature to support the efficacy of steroid injections into the TMJ. Most studies do suggest a good short-term benefit. However, one identifies no benefit over placebo but two studies found a benefit lasting at least 6 months., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there are potentially significant although short-term benefits to be gained from steroid injections into the TMJ. They can lead to pain relief and improved function, certainly in the first 1 to 3 months post-injection. Steroid injections are a low-risk procedure and are helpful in delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.

Carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure within a hand unit. We have analyzed data on outcomes after carpal decompression performed by both open and closed techniques to assess whether outcomes differed between the 2 procedures. Data were jointly gathered from 2 units. The aim was to assess the outcome after CTD. Completed data were gathered from 621 CTD procedures performed on 484 patients. Of the procedures, 358 were performed via a standard open CTD technique and 263 procedures were performed via a closed single-port Agee technique. Assessments were performed by means of the Levine-Katz questionnaire, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, grip strength, and pinch-grip strength testing. Assessments were performed both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. A randomly selected 10% of patients were also assessed at 12 months. The results were statistically better after closed CTD at the 6-month postoperative stage. However, the difference became less marked by 12-month postoperative stage. Our results show that CTD whether performed by an open or closed technique resulted in a similar outcome at the 12-month postoperative stage. However, those procedures performed by a closed technique offered a more rapid recovery in the first 6 months postoperative than by an open technique.

Little evidence exists to understand the influence of patient expectations on outcomes for silicone metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty (SMPA). The purpose of this paper is to compare long-term treatment outcome experiences regarding hand function/appearance for a surgical and nonsurgical cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and contrast them to expectations at baseline. This sample is part of a larger multicenter prospective cohort study of RA patients enrolled from 2004 to 2008. A total of 169 RA patients with severe deformities at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints were recruited in the original study. Expectations for SMPA were collected at enrollment. A follow-up patient-reported questionnaire was completed at long-term follow-up. Baseline expectation questionnaires were collected from 137 patients, and follow-up data from 84 patients (average 6.7 years follow-up). At baseline, a significantly higher percent of patients who chose surgery expected to do "Anything I want" or "More activities than I do now" 1 year from enrollment than those who chose nonsurgical treatment. At follow-up, surgical patients remained more likely to indicate that they were currently able to do "Anything" or "More activities" than nonsurgical patients. A higher percentage of surgical patients were "very satisfied" or "quite satisfied" with their treatment compared to nonsurgical patients. RA subjects who chose SMPA reported greater expectations for surgery prior to surgery and also greater levels of hand function and satisfaction at long-term follow-up.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis patients with swan neck deformities are postulated to have greater metacarpophalangeal joint arc of motion because of their need to flex the joint to make a fist, whereas the boutonniere deformity places the fingers into the flexed position, creating less demand on the joint for grip. This study analyzes the effect of these deformities on the joint's arc of motion and hand function., Methods: The authors measured the metacarpophalangeal joint arc of motion in 73 surgical patients. Data were allocated into groups by finger and hand deformity. Linear regression models were used to analyze the effect of the deformity on the joint's arc of motion. Functional outcomes were measured by the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire and the Jebson-Taylor Test., Results: Nineteen fingers had boutonniere deformity, 95 had swan neck deformities, and 178 had no deformity. The no-deformity group had the least arc of motion at baseline (16 degrees) compared with the boutonniere (26 degrees) and swan neck (26 degrees) groups. Mean arc of motion in the no-deformity group compared with the boutonniere group at baseline was statistically significant, but all groups had similar arc of motion at long-term follow-up. Only mean Jebson-Taylor Test scores at baseline between the boutonniere and no-deformity groups were significantly different., Conclusions: The results did not support the hypothesis that swan neck deformities have better arc of motion compared with boutonniere deformity. Boutonniere deformity has worse function at baseline, but there was no difference in function among groups at long-term follow-up.

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often results in deformities at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Patients with severe deformities can be treated by silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty (SMPA). The objective of the study is to prospectively compare long-term outcomes for an SMPA surgical and a nonsurgical cohort of RA patients., Methods: A total of 67 surgical and 95 nonsurgical patients with severe subluxation and/or ulnar drift of the fingers at the MCP joints were recruited from 2004-2008 in this multicenter prospective cohort study. Patients could elect to undergo SMPA or not. Outcomes included the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2), grip/pinch strength, Jebsen-Taylor Test, ulnar deviation, extensor lag, and arc of motion measurements at the MCP joints., Results: There was no significant difference in the mean age, race, education, and income at baseline between the 2 groups. Surgical subjects had worse MHQ function and functional measurements at baseline. At 3 years, the mean overall MHQ score and the MHQ function, activities of daily living, aesthetics, and satisfaction scores showed significant improvement in the surgical group compared to the nonsurgical group. Ulnar deviation, extensor lag, and arc of motion in the MCP and proximal interphalangeal joints also improved significantly in the surgical group. No improvement was seen in the mean AIMS2 scores and grip/pinch strength. Complications were minimal with a fracture rate of 9.5%., Conclusion: RA patients with poor baseline functioning showed long-term improvement in hand function and appearance following treatment with SMPA compared to nonsurgical controls., (Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology.)

The formation of the Hand Club: a 60th anniversary.

Purpose: To investigate whether palmaris longus interposition or flexor carpi radialis ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition improve the outcome of trapezial excision for the treatment of basal joint arthritis after a minimum follow-up of 5 years., Methods: We randomized 174 thumbs with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis into 3 groups to undergo simple trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with palmaris longus interposition, or trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition using 50% of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. A K-wire was passed across the trapezial void and retained for 4 weeks, and a thumb spica was used for 6 weeks in all 3 groups. We reviewed 153 thumbs after a minimum of 5 years (median, 6 y; range, 5-18 y) after surgery with subjective and objective assessments of thumb pain, function, and strength., Results: There was no difference in the pain relief achieved in the 3 treatment groups, with good results in 120 (78%) patients. Grip strength and key and tip pinch strengths did not differ among the 3 groups and range of movement of the thumb was similar. Few complications persisted after 5 years, and these were distributed evenly among the 3 groups. Compared with the results at 1 year in the same group of patients, the good pain relief achieved was maintained in the longer term, irrespective of the type of surgery. While improvements in grip strength achieved at 1 year after surgery were preserved, the key and tip pinch strengths deteriorated with time, but the type of surgery did not influence this., Conclusions: The outcomes of these 3 variations of trapeziectomy were similar after a minimum follow-up of 5 years. There appears to be no benefit to tendon interposition or ligament reconstruction in the longer term., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction. Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying agents (DMARDs), and injectable biological agents (anti-TNFα), may have widespread effects on wound healing. In hand surgery, it is important to balance the risks of poor wound healing from continuing a medication against the risks of a flare of rheumatoid arthritis if a drug is temporarily discontinued. Materials and Methods. A United Kingdom (UK) group of 28 patients had metacarpophalangeal joint replacement surgery in 35 hands (140 wounds). All medication for rheumatoid arthritis was continued perioperatively, except for the injectable biological agents. Results. There were no instances of wound dehiscence or deep infection and only one episode of minor superficial infection. Conclusions. We conclude that provided care is taken to identify and treat any problems promptly, it is appropriate to continue most antirheumatoid medications in the perioperative period during hand surgery to reduce the risk of destabilising the patients' overall rheumatoid disease control.

The long-term outcomes of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome who were scheduled for release but did not proceed to surgery were compared to patients who underwent surgery, matched on preoperative symptom scores. Both groups completed the Levine-Katz questionnaire 6 years after enrolment to our multicentre carpal tunnel syndrome outcomes database. Symptom and function scores improved for the surgical (n = 24) and non-surgical (n = 36) groups (p < 0.001). Improvement in symptom scores was greater in surgical patients compared to non-surgical patients (n = 24 matched pairs; p = 0.007) but improvement in function scores between groups was not significantly different (p = 0.13). For surgical patients, function and symptom scores improved by 6 months and were unchanged at 6 years. Patients planning surgical release can expect symptomatic and functional benefits within 6 months. Overall improvement was experienced by both groups, with a superior outcome achieved with surgery. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may improve without surgery, but further studies are needed to understand the natural history of the disorder.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that requires coordinated management by rheumatologists, surgical specialists and therapists working in a multidisciplinary team. Differences of opinion within the team may adversely affect patient care. Our aim was to assess differences in perception about rheumatoid hand surgery between rheumatologists, hand surgeons and hand therapists in the UK. We used a postal questionnaire to assess commonly performed rheumatoid hand operations. For each procedure, respondents rated the most important indication for surgery and scored effectiveness at reducing pain, improving function and aesthetics, and preventing deformity. Statistically significant differences were found between all three groups with regards to expected outcome and main indications for surgery. We concluded that significant differences do exist in the perceptions of rheumatologists, surgeons and therapists. Rheumatoid hand operations require more detailed study, clarifying indications and outcome to allow consistent advice to patients from all members of the multidisciplinary team.

The mini C-arm image intensifier (mini C-arm) has now become an established diagnostic tool in the hand surgery outpatient department. This study reviews the use of the mini C-arm and formal radiographs (X-rays) in the outpatient hand surgery setting. X-rays provide a standard image whereas the mini C-arm can obtain non-standard images to aid diagnosis and treatment. The mini C-arm enables the clinician to obtain dynamic images and perform interventions such as manipulations or injections. The mini C-arm results in a significantly lower radiation exposure for the patients than a formal X-ray. Use of the mini C-arm may be cheaper, and can lead to a shorter outpatient visit with less travel between hospital departments., (Copyright © 2010 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Rheumatoid metacarpophalangeal joint deformities remain an important cause of disability. Surgical intervention in carefully selected patients improves function and prolongs independence. This article discusses the commonly used reconstructive techniques and their benefits. Case selection through a combined clinic with rheumatologists and hand therapists is recommended., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Surgical wrist denervation involves division of the anterior and posterior interosseous nerves and articular branches of the superficial radial nerve. In this outcome study, 37 patients were individually assessed and deemed suitable for denervation surgery due to appreciable symptom resolution following a local anesthetic wrist block. At a mean of 18 months following denervation surgery, median activity pain scores had decreased by 60% (p < 0.001) from initial assessment levels, and more than three quarters (30/37) of patients reported continued improvement in their activity pain (p < 0.001). More than two thirds of patients had a satisfaction VAS of greater than 50, with less postoperative resting pain and a greater reduction in postoperative activity pain as the important predictors of patient satisfaction. Thirty-one out of the 37 patients had not represented to our department for revision wrist surgery by a mean of 10.3 years follow-up. We have found this procedure useful in ameliorating symptoms for some patients who would conventionally have required partial or total wrist fusions with greater residual functional limitation.

Objective: Millions of patients experience the disabling hand manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet few hand-specific instruments are validated in this population. Our objective was to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) in patients with RA., Methods: At enrollment and at 6 months, 128 RA patients with severe subluxation of the metacarpophalangeal joints completed the MHQ, a 37-item questionnaire with 6 domains: function, activities of daily living (ADL), pain, work, aesthetics, and satisfaction. Reliability was measured using Spearman's correlation coefficients between time periods. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was measured by correlating MHQ responses with the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2). Responsiveness was measured by calculating standardized response means (SRMs) between time periods., Results: The MHQ demonstrated good test-retest reliability (r = 0.66, P < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha scores were high for ADL (α = 0.90), function (α = 0.87), aesthetics (α = 0.79), and satisfaction (α = 0.89), indicating redundancy. The MHQ correlated well with AIMS2 responses. Function (r = -0.63), ADL (r = -0.77), work (r = -0.64), pain (r = 0.59), and summary score (r = -0.74) were correlated with the physical domain. Affect was correlated with ADL (r = -0.47), work (r = -0.47), pain (r = 0.48), and summary score (r = -0.53). Responsiveness was excellent among arthroplasty patients in function (SRM 1.42), ADL (SRM 0.89), aesthetics (SRM 1.23), satisfaction (SRM 1.76), and summary score (SRM 1.61)., Conclusion: The MHQ is easily administered, reliable, and valid to measure rheumatoid hand function, and can be used to measure outcomes in rheumatic hand disease., (Copyright © 2010 by the American College of Rheumatology.)

We describe two films made by Geoffrey Fisk in 1973 that record midcarpal instability and its surgical treatment.

Previous studies have found differences in rheumatoid hand surgical practice around the world. The specific aim of this study is to compare baseline characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) that may be influenced by the two different health-care systems. Patients were recruited from three sites (two in the US and one in England) as part of a National Institutes of Health funded study to examine outcomes of silicone metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthroplasty in RA patients. Outcomes measurements included biomechanical assessments (grip strength, pinch strength, and mean ulnar drift and extensor lag at the MCPJs of all four fingers), a health-related quality of life questionnaire (the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire), and a medication assessment. American patients have a significantly higher income level (p<0.001) and have completed higher levels of education (p<0.001) than British patients. There were no significant differences in terms of self-reported disease severity or deformity at the MCPJs. RA patients in the US are more likely to take biologic medications (p<0.001), steroids (p=0.02), and Cox-2 inhibitors (p=0.02). Patients in the UK are significantly more likely (p<0.001) to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There are differences in the demographic characteristics and medication use of RA patients with hand deformities in the US and UK. These differences may be influenced by the private versus socialized health-care systems. However, the perception of hand disease severity in participants in this study appears to be comparable between these countries.

Symptomatic phalangeal rotation deformities require corrective osteotomy. Surgery at the phalangeal level is technically demanding and has a higher complication rate. We describe the surgical technique of metacarpal base osteotomy for rotation correction of the digit. This technique is simple, allows early rehabilitation, and has a lower complication rate.

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated that outcomes for the ulnar digits appear to be worse than those of the radial digits after silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty (SMPA) for the rheumatoid hand. This study examines various components of hand deformities in an effort to understand SMPA outcomes in terms of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint range of motion and alignment. We hypothesize that the ulnar fingers will have less improvement, marked by greater ulnar drift, extension lag, and less MCP joint arc of motion than the radial fingers., Methods: Sixty-eight surgical patients were recruited from 3 sites in this multicenter, international prospective cohort study. All patients had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, were between the ages of 18 and 80, and were eligible to have SMPA based on measured hand deformities (extensor lag and ulnar drift). Ulnar drift, extension lag, and arc of motion for the MCP joint of each finger were measured at baseline (before surgery) and 1 year after SMPA., Results: All fingers showed an improvement in ulnar drift from baseline to 1 year after surgery. The smallest improvement was in the index finger, and the largest improvement was in the little finger. Similarly, the largest improvement in extension lag was seen in the little finger, and the smallest improvement was seen in the index finger. In terms of MCP joint arc of motion, all fingers moved to a more extended posture and gained an improved arc of motion, but the biggest improvement was observed in the 2 ulnar fingers and less in the 2 radial fingers., Conclusions: Our hypothesis that the ulnar fingers would have worse outcomes than the radial fingers was not proven by this study. Although experiences have indicated that it is more difficult to maintain posture for the ring and little fingers after SMPA owing to the deforming forces, sufficient correction of the deformities in the ulnar fingers is possible, if adequate bone resection and realigning of the extensor mechanism are carefully performed during the procedure., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Prognostic I.

Background: It has been stated by hand surgeons that rheumatoid arthritis patients often are referred "too little and too late." The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis patients with metacarpophalangeal joint deformities (subluxation and ulnar deviation). The authors hypothesized that patients with more severe deformities would have worse outcomes after silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty., Methods: Seventy patients who each had combined metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar drift and extensor lag greater than 50 degrees were recruited into this three-center study of silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty. Patients were categorized into two groups based on degrees of deformity: less than 100 degrees or greater than or equal to 100 degrees. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months and 1 year based on the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, grip/pinch strength, metacarpophalangeal joint deviation angles, the Jebsen-Taylor test, and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 questionnaire., Results: There was no difference in outcomes at the 1-year follow-up between the two groups, after controlling for age, gender, and baseline values. Each of the outcome scores was not different between the two groups, including the six domains in the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, grip/pinch strength, the Jebsen-Taylor test, and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 questionnaire. However, patients with more severe hand deformities have worse ulnar drift and extensor lag after reconstruction., Conclusions: Rheumatoid arthritis patients with more severe metacarpophalangeal joint diseases will attain similarly good outcomes after reconstruction when compared with those with less severe deformities. Despite the potential barriers to silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis patients with more severe hand deformities, surgical treatment is still beneficial.

The life and times of Guy Pulvertaft. His contribution to the development of hand surgery.

Purpose: Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis can be treated using silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty (SMPA). There is no consensus as to whether this surgical procedure is beneficial. The purpose of the study was to prospectively compare outcomes for a surgical and a nonsurgical cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients., Methods: The prospective study was conducted from January 2004 to May 2008 at 3 referral centers in the United States and England. Over a 3-year period, 70 surgical and 93 nonsurgical patients were recruited. One year data are available for 45 cases and 72 controls. All patients had severe ulnar drift and/or extensor lag of the fingers at the MCP joints. The patients all had 1-year follow-up evaluations. Patients could elect to have SMPA and medical therapy or medical therapy alone. Outcomes included the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales, grip and pinch strength, Jebson-Taylor test, and ulnar deviation and extensor lag measurements at the MCP joints., Results: There was no difference in the mean age for the surgical group (60) when compared to the nonsurgical group (62). There was also no significant difference in race, education, and income between the 2 groups. At 1-year follow-up, the mean overall MHQ score showed significant improvement in the surgical group but no change in the nonsurgical group, despite worse MHQ function at baseline in the surgical group. Ulnar deviation and extensor lag improved significantly in the surgical group, but the mean Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales scores and grip and pinch strength showed no significant improvement., Conclusions: This prospective study demonstrated significant improvement for RA patients with poor baseline functioning treated with SMPA. The nonsurgical group had better MHQ scores at baseline, and their function did not deteriorate during the 1-year follow-up interval.

The outcomes of 218 little finger metacarpal shaft and neck fractures that had been treated non-operatively, with no attempt at fracture reduction, were compared with those of 44 that had been treated operatively with fracture reduction and fixation (plates or K-wires). Outcome measures included the grip strength of the little finger and the DASH score. Fracture malunion was assessed by clinical measurement of little finger ray shortening and measurement of palmar angulation on the initial radiographs. The severity of palmar angular deformity did not affect the outcome of the 105 metacarpal neck or 113 metacarpal shaft fractures that had been treated non-operatively. There were no differences between the outcomes of the 18 metacarpal neck fractures treated operatively and the 105 treated non-operatively. The DASH score (P = 0.001) and aesthetic outcome (P = 0.013) were significantly better for the 113 metacarpal shaft fractures treated non-operatively than for the 26 treated operatively.