U-shaped kirschner wire transfixation: effective treatment for Skier's thumb.

Background: Skier's thumb is a type of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, which can result in bone fragmentation and joint instability.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the traditional Kirschner wire fixation method with the U-shaped Kirschner wire method for treating small bone fragments with displacement, rotation, or instability in skier's fractures.

Method: A retrospective study was conducted on 30 patients with skier's thumb who were treated at Tianjin Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A received traditional Kirschner wire fixation, while Group B received U-shaped Kirschner wire fixation. Functional assessments and complications during the perioperative period were evaluated.

Results: Both surgical methods significantly reduced postoperative pain and increased joint range of motion. Group B had a lower incidence of pain during follow-up and showed significant functional improvement in Tip-pinch and Grip tests compared to Group A. U-shaped Kirschner wire fixation significantly reduced complications during the perioperative period.

Conclusion: The U-shaped Kirschner wire internal fixation is a safe and effective treatment for the thumb proximal phalanx base ulnar side avulsion fracture.