Neck of the 5th metacarpal head retrograde screwing with a headless screw after a recurrent fracture on osteosynthesis pins: a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

This paper reports the technique we used to treat a recurrent fracture of the neck of the 5th metacarpal with bending of the pin that was still present in the patient bone.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 26-year-old soldier presents to the emergency department following a direct trauma on the right hand. This patient had already presented a similar trauma one year ago with a fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck treated by intramedullary pins according to Foucher technique's. X-rays showed a recurrent fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck with pins bended. It was decided to remove the material with a change of osteosynthesis technique by intramedullary screwing with a headless screw. This allowed a return to work and activities without restriction 6 weeks after surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: to our knowledge this is the first publication dealing with management of recurrent fracture of 5th metacarpal neck. This technique provides excellent outcome and a low risk of complication.

CONCLUSION

This simple and original technique for revision osteosynthesis of a fracture the 5th metacarpal neck gives good short-term results and is interesting from a practical and functional point of view in the military patients.