Operative treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in athletes: early return to play

Evaluating the outcomes of operative treatment for metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in athletes returning early to play and discussing the more effective methods that permit rapid early return to athletic activity.

We retrospectively identified a total of 105 metacarpal or phalangeal fractures in 105 athletes with conservative or operative treatment in our department. Of these, 20 athletes required an early return to sport because of a pending important game in their competition within 1 month after injury. Therefore, they underwent surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation of metacarpal or phalangeal fractures in an attempt to achieve an early return to their chosen sport at their usual competitive level. The patients included 6 rugby football players, 2 soccer goalkeepers, 3 American football players, 3 handball players, 2 baseball players and 4 who participated in other sports. The clinical records of preoperative and postoperative radiographs were available for all patients, and clinical outcome was evaluated by total active motion (TAM).

The patients were followed up for a mean of 27 (24–43) months. At the latest follow-up examination, bone union was obtained in all cases. In cases with metacarpal and phalangeal fractures, the average TAM was 263° (range 240°–270°).

We consider that an early comeback to training and competition can be permitted exclusively for patients with metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. It is important for the attending physician to administer such treatment after obtaining informed consent and develop a trusting relationship with the patient and other related individuals while paying attention to their hope of quick recovery.