Experiences with rigid internal fixation using a low volume titanium implant system in metacarpal and phalangeal fractures

Abstract 

Our experience using the low volume titanium mini-fragment system ”Profile Titan” is presented retrospectively. The system contains self-tapping miniscrews with countersinking heads and very small adaptable plates with rounded edges. The study consists of 53 patients who underwent osteosynthesis, arthrodesis, or corrective osteotomy of the hand skeleton from 1 January 1994 to 31 March 1995. Functional results were evaluated and standard postoperative X-rays were taken at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after injury. Fifty-three patients with 56 fractures were treated. Results show that 78% of patients regained complete recovery of active range of motion. Fractures with and without negative prognostic factors were compared. There were three major postoperative complications not related to the type of implant. Compared to the AO mini system this system has several advantages.