Ulnar-sided carpometacarpal fractures and fractures-dislocations. A systematic review and publication guidelines

Abstract

Background: Intra-articular fractures and fracture-dislocations of the ulnar-sided carpometacarpal joints (US-CMC) are common and under-reported. Their diagnosis is often delayed or incomplete, and there is no consensus as to the best treatment. The aim of this systematic literature review was to focus on the quality of existing data and to describe in detail the available evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of these lesions. Based on our findings, we will propose guidelines for improving the design of future studies on these lesions.

Methods: This systematic literature review looked at all articles published between 1918 and 2019 on US-CMC fractures and fracture-dislocations. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Quality Appraisal Tool devised by Moga et al. Information on the diagnostic and therapeutic methods were extracted along with epidemiological data, classifications, and clinical and radiological outcomes.

Results: Of the 500 articles identified, 13 were included. According to the Quality Appraisal Tool, three of these articles had acceptable quality. While either radiographs or CT scans were used for the diagnosis, the radiographs were insufficient to precisely describe the lesions and guide the treatment. Conservative treatment or percutaneous surgical treatment was preferred for acute stable lesions without extensive fractures or comminution, while open surgical treatment was used most often in cases of unstable or sub-acute fractures and fracture-dislocations.

Discussion: The current literature on this topic is made up of case series with a low level of evidence. CT is needed to assess and classify these lesions and select between conservative and surgical treatment. Unstable cases or those with delayed presentation should be treated with an open surgical approach. Based on our findings, we propose reporting guidelines for future studies on the treatment of US-CMC fractures and fracture-dislocations.

Level of evidence: III.

Keywords: Carpometacarpal; Dislocation; Fracture; Hamate; Wrist.