Abstract: Introduction: Metacarpal fractures typically occur secondary to a direct blow or fall directly onto the hand. Each choice is more dependent on surgeon preference and skill rather than any particular benefit with the varying approaches. Hence the present study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate and assess healing, functional outcomes and complications of conservatively versus operatively managed metacarpal fractures.
Materials & Methods: A total of 100 patients with the different kind of fractures of metacarpals were included in the study. All of the included patients were either treated conservatively or by surgical management in the department of orthopaedics. The questioner was designed for DASH score was done to assess the ability to perform certain activities. The least disability was scaled as 0 to the most disability was scaled as 100.
Results: The DASH questioner was used to calculate a scale score that ranges from 0 to 100. The more the score the more is the severity. Maximum number of patients had score between 21 to 25 that shows maximum number of patient’s satisfaction with the treatment. The next questioner that was used to assess the satisfaction of patients was the Michigan questionnaire.
Discussion & Conclusion: Functional outcome is of paramount importance and restoration to maximum hand function is the primary expectation of patients. Physical therapy and mobilization are key in managing these fractures and form an integral path to recovery. Further studies are required to help establish a definitive treatment algorithm without losing sight of the quality of care provided to our patient and their long term, overall satisfaction.
