Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Göker Yurdakul; Muhammed Kazez

Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Aims: To compare clinical and radiological outcomes, operative parameters, and complication rates between titanium elastic nail (TEN) fixation and plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 44 patients with extra-articular fifth metacarpal neck fractures (AO/OTA 77.5.2) treated surgically between January 2020 and March 2025. Twenty-three patients underwent TEN fixation and 21 underwent plate osteosynthesis. Preoperative angulation was measured on initial radiographs. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint range of motion at 6 months. Radiological union, reduction quality, operative time, fluoroscopy duration, and complications were evaluated. Rotational alignment was assessed clinically. Results: Preoperative angulation was similar between the groups (52±15° vs. 54±16°, p=0.156). Operative time and fluoroscopy duration were significantly lower in the TEN group (32.4±6.8 vs. 51.7±9.5 minutes and 4.2±1.5 vs. 8.6±2.4 seconds, respectively; p<0.001 for both). DASH scores and MCP joint range of motion were comparable (p>0.05). All fractures achieved radiological union with similar time to union (p=0.32). All cases demonstrated good reduction quality (<15°), and no rotational deformity was observed. Complications occurred only in the plate group, with no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: TEN fixation provides comparable clinical and radiological outcomes to plate osteosynthesis, with shorter operative and fluoroscopy times.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

No funding

Ethical Statement

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of XXX University (Approval Date: 02/07/2025; Approval Number: :2025-GOKAEK-2513_2025.07.02_441). The requirement for informed consent was waived by the ethics committee due to the retrospective design and use of anonymized data.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Orthopaedics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Göker Yurdakul ^*
0000-0001-6570-164X
Türkiye

Muhammed Kazez
0000-0002-7344-1064
Türkiye

Publication Date

June 25, 2026

Submission Date

April 15, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 20, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 3

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Yurdakul, G., & Kazez, M. (2026). Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, 7(3), 509-513. https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL

AMA

1.Yurdakul G, Kazez M. Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2026;7(3):509-513. https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL

Chicago

Yurdakul, Göker, and Muhammed Kazez. 2026. “Comparison of Titanium Elastic Nail versus Plate Fixation in Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 7 (3): 509-13. https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL.

EndNote

Yurdakul G, Kazez M (June 1, 2026) Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 7 3 509–513.

IEEE

[1]G. Yurdakul and M. Kazez, “Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study”, J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 509–513, June 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL

ISNAD

Yurdakul, Göker - Kazez, Muhammed. “Comparison of Titanium Elastic Nail versus Plate Fixation in Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 7/3 (June 1, 2026): 509-513. https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL.

JAMA

1.Yurdakul G, Kazez M. Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2026;7:509–513.

MLA

Yurdakul, Göker, and Muhammed Kazez. “Comparison of Titanium Elastic Nail versus Plate Fixation in Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, vol. 7, no. 3, June 2026, pp. 509-13, https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL.

Vancouver

1.Göker Yurdakul, Muhammed Kazez. Comparison of titanium elastic nail versus plate fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 1;7(3):509-13. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA79HT94YL