First Tarsometatarsal Joint Fusion for Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Retrospective Comparison of Two Fixation Constructs Regarding Initial Maintenance of Correction and Complications: Traditional Crossing Screw Fixation Versus Dorsomedial Locking Plate and Intercuneiform Compression Screw

Various fixation constructs exist to address hallux valgus when performing a first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis. The goal of this present study is to compare complication rates, and degree and maintenance of angular correction between a dorsomedial locking plate with intercuneiform compression screw construct versus traditional crossing solid screw fixation construct. The plate plus intercuneiform compression screw construct fixation utilized a combined sagittal saw and curette method of joint preparation while the crossed screw fixation group utilized a curette and bur technique. A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients who underwent a midfoot fusion using either constructs. Sixty four total feet in 56 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty four consecutive patients (32 feet) who underwent a midfoot arthrodesis using the locking plate and intercuneiform fixation were fully fused (100%) by 10 weeks postoperatively, with no incidents of nonunion and one deep vein thrombosis event. Thirty two consecutive patients (32 feet) who underwent midfoot arthrodesis with crossing screw fixation had 2 nonunion events, one that was asymptomatic and the other that required a revision midfoot fusion. There was a statistically significant improvement from the pre-operative intermetatarsal angle, hallux abductus angle compared to the 10 week and 1 year radiographs (p < .05) for the entire cohort for both fixation constructs. There was a statistically significant increase in American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery first ray scores from pre-op to 1 year follow-up for both fixation constructs. Overall, the dorsomedial locking plate plus intercuneiform compression screw fixation construct better maintains Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) correction at midterm follow-up compared to the traditional crossing screw construct. Both cohorts overall demonstrate similar fusion rates at 10 weeks, nonunion events, incidences of broken hardware, hardware removal, deep vein thrombosis, neuritis at 1 year postoperatively, and hallux varus.     

锁骨钩钢板治疗TossyⅢ型肩锁关节脱位的临床研究

目的比较研究锁骨钩钢板、克氏针张力带及加压螺钉治疗TossyⅢ型肩锁关节脱位的疗效。方法54例TossyⅢ型肩锁关节脱位患者,18例采用锁骨钩钢板、19例采用克氏针张力带、17例采取加压螺钉内固定。依据Kadsson标准回顾性分析比较治疗效果差异。结果术后平均随访12～18个月,锁骨钩钢板组肩关节功能评定优良率为94．44％,优于克氏针张力带组的47．37％及加压螺钉组的58．82％（P〈0．05）。结论锁骨钩钢板在治疗TossyⅢ型肩锁关节脱位上优于克氏针张力带及加压螺钉内固定。     

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with the Herbert screw

Numerous fixation techniques have been described to obtain successful proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis. By use of the Herbert screw for compression, 50 (98%) out of 51 PIP joints were fused within 6 weeks. Biomechanically, PIP joint arthrodeses using the Herbert screw in cadaver joints were comparable to tension band arthrodeses evaluated by three-point bending. Herbert screw arthrodesis of the PIP joint achieves a high fusion rate with minimal external protection provided certain technical details are followed.     

Arthrodesen der Sprunggelenke

Between 1994 and 1999 we treated 47 patients with 48 operations for arthrodesis of the ankle joint and/or the subtalar joint. Long-term follow-up with both clinical and radiological examination was achieved in 41 patients (41 arthrodeses); this extended over a median of 29 months (range 6–62 months) after the operation. The main indication for an arthrodesis in our patients was symptomatic posttraumatic arthrosis. Compression arthrodesis with screw fixation was the surgical technique performed in the vast majority of cases. Complications were observed in 33% of these cases: superficial postoperative wound problems were the most frequent group, but there were also deep infections in 4 cases and nonunion of the arthrodesis in 5. The clinical and radiographic results observed were evaluated according to the internationally accepted Kitaoka score. The results we recorded were very good and good in 68% of these patients, satisfactory in 22% and poor in 10%.     

Comparison of arthrodesis and metallic hemiarthroplasty of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint

BACKGROUND: Currently, arthrodesis is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the treatment of severe arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The objective of this study was to compare the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a metallic hemiarthroplasty with those of arthrodesis for the treatment of this condition. METHODS: A series of patients with osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were treated with either a metallic hemiarthroplasty or an arthrodesis between 1999 and 2005. Postoperative satisfaction and function were graded with use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal (AOFAS-HMI) scoring system, and pain was scored with use of a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Twenty-one hemiarthroplasties and twenty-seven arthrodeses were performed in forty-six patients. Five (24%) of the hemiarthroplasties failed; one of them was revised, and four were converted to an arthrodesis. Eight of the feet in which the hemiprosthesis had survived had evidence of plantar cutout of the prosthetic stem on the final follow-up radiographs. At the time of final follow-up (at a mean of 79.4 months), the satisfaction ratings in the hemiarthroplasty group were good or excellent for twelve feet, fair for two, and poor or a failure for seven. The mean pain score was 2.4 of 10. All twenty-seven of the arthrodeses achieved fusion, and no revisions were required. At the time of final follow-up (at a mean of thirty months), the satisfaction ratings in this group were good or excellent for twenty-two feet, fair for four, and poor for one. The mean pain score was 0.7 of 10. Two patients required hardware removal, which was performed as an office procedure with the use of local anesthesia. The AOFAS-HMI and visual analogue pain scores and satisfaction were significantly better in the arthrodesis group. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrodesis is more predictable than a metallic hemiarthroplasty for alleviating symptoms and restoring function in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.     

Trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis in primary osteoarthritis: a minimum two-year follow-up study

We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients with primary osteoarthritis who underwent 59 trapeziometacarpal (TM) arthrodeses to assess the efficacy of this procedure with respect to patient satisfaction and radiographic evidence of peritrapezial arthritis. The average patient age was 54 years (range, 41-73 years) and the average follow-up period was 7 years (range, 2-20 years). All TM arthrodeses used K-wires; 61 had a supplemental distal radius bone graft. There were 10 bilateral arthrodeses. There were 4 (7%) nonunions. Three nonunions were painless and 1 was painful. There were 2 patients who required a second procedure; 1 had a painful nonunion that was successfully treated with a repeat arthrodesis and the other had a solid but painful thumb that was treated with trapezial excision and soft tissue interposition. The average pain score at the time of the follow-up examination was 1.5 of 10. Thirty-three patients had postoperative radiographs; 7 had radiographic evidence of peritrapezial arthritis. Based on our findings we believe that isolated, symptomatic TM osteoarthritis in patients older than 40 years old is an indication of TM arthrodesis.     

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: an evaluation of hardware failure

BACKGROUND: First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is commonly used for the treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the hallux. We used a method incorporating a ball-and-cup preparation of the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx, followed by fixation of the arthrodesis with a lag screw and a dorsal plate (Synthes Modular Hand Set). METHODS: Ninety-five consecutive patients had first MTPJ arthrodesis using fixation with the Synthes Modular Hand Set. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, at regular intervals postoperatively, and at final followup. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scoring system was used preoperatively and at final followup. RESULTS: Solid fusion occurred in 93 of 107 feet (86.9%). In the 14 that did not fuse, either the screws or plate, or both, broke. Ten of the 14 feet were symptomatic, but only three required further operative treatment. There were no hardware problems or failures in patients who had solid fusions. Preoperative AOFAS scores were improved after surgery in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: A solid first MTPJ fusion results in excellent function and pain relief, but the Synthes Modular Hand Set implants do not appear to be strong enough in all patients for this application; nonunion at the arthrodesis site and failure of hardware occurred in 13% of arthrodeses. We no longer recommend this implant for this application.     

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a retrospective analysis of plate versus screw fixation

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a commonly accepted technique to treat various afflictions of the hallux. Many techniques have been described to fixate the arthrodesis. However, no superior fixation technique has been identified in regard to nonunion. We performed a retrospective analysis of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses in our clinic from January 2000 to April 2010, focusing on plate and screw fixation. Our aim was to identify the best fixation construct in regard to fusion rates and radiologic nonunion. We identified 72 arthrodeses performed using 1 oblique (n = 24) or 2 crossed (n = 21) lag screws or a plate (n = 13) or a plate augmented with plantar lag screw fixation (n = 14). Our analysis showed that plate fixation alone results in significantly fewer nonunions than single screw fixation. A comparison of the other fixation types showed no significant differences with regard to nonunion. Although our analysis showed that plate fixation alone is superior to single screw fixation, no definitive conclusion can be drawn owing to methodologic shortcomings. We believe a randomized controlled trial with larger sample sizes is necessary to find the clinically superior fixation technique.     

Midfoot Arthrodesis Using a Locking Anterior Cervical Plate as Adjunctive Fixation: Early Experience With a New Implant

A retrospective review was performed on 14 patients (20 arthrodeses) who had undergone midfoot arthrodesis with a semi-constrained, locking anterior cervical plate as a form of adjunctive fixation. Fusion sites where the plate was used for the purpose of arthrodesis included the talonavicular joint, medial naviculocuneiform joints, first metatarsal cuneiform joint, and the calcaneal cuboid joint. All arthrodesis sites used one other type of fixation for the purpose of axial compression. Twenty midfoot arthrodesis sites went on to radiographic union at a mean of 9.1+/-1.5 weeks. A single complication of hardware irritation occurred in one patient that resolved after plate removal. This semi-constrained, locking anterior cervical plate appears to be a viable adjunct to fixation constructs for the purpose of midfoot arthrodesis.     

Cost Comparison of Crossed Screws versus Dorsal Plate Construct for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis

Expensive surgical implants can significantly add to the cost of a procedure. We performed a crude cost analysis to evaluate and compare the crossed screw technique versus dorsal plating for first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. First metatarsophalangeal arthrodeses performed over a 20-month period were selected. Exclusion criteria included diabetes, neuroarthropathy, revision surgery, or alternate fixation. Hospital records were reviewed for each case to determine implant charges. Patient charts and radiographs were also reviewed to determine time to fusion, delayed union/nonunion, revision surgery, or hardware removal. Fifty-five first metatarsophalangeal arthrodeses were performed during the study period. Ten fusions were excluded, leaving 45 fusions for review. The overall fusion rate was 91.1%. The average time to fusion in crossed screw versus plating technique was 73.2 +/- 32.5 days (range, 43 to 162) and 69.3 +/- 37.3 days (range, 44 to 238), respectively, and not statistically significant. The mean implant cost in the crossed screw versus dorsal plating technique was $374.05 +/- 76.3 (range, 278.72 to 530.00) and $603.57 +/- 234.7 (range, 543.40 to 1677.00) respectively and was strongly significant (P = .0002). Complications included 2 delayed unions (1 screw, 1 plate), 4 nonunions (1 screw, 3 plate), 2 revisions (1 screw, 1 plate), and 2 hardware removals (1 screw, 1 plate). SUMMARY: A cost comparison of crossed screws versus dorsal plate construct for first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis is performed. No statistical difference was found in the time to fusion between the 2 constructs but there was strong statistical difference in hardware cost. This information may aid in the cost management of this procedure without compromising clinical results. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 2c.     

MCP arthrodesis using an intramedullary interlocking device

Background

A variety of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthrodesis techniques have been described for the treatment of symptomatic arthritis and instability of the thumb MCPJ including K wire fixation, tension-band arthrodesis, plate fixation, intramedullary screw, and other intramedullary devices. This study presents a retrospective review of one surgeon's initial series of patients undergoing thumb MCP arthrodesis using an intramedullary compression device with a fixed angle of 25°.

Methods

A retrospective chart and radiographic review of patients treated for thumb MCP arthrodesis using the intramedullary device was performed. Final radiographs were evaluated for arthrodesis angle, bony fusion, and implant fixation. Any complication found during surgery or the follow-up period was noted.

Results

In this study, 17 patients were reviewed. Indications for surgery were osteoarthritis (five patients), rheumatoid arthritis (three patients), MCP instability alone (seven patients), and post-traumatic conditions (two patients). Of these, 12 patients had a simultaneous trapeziometacarpal (TMC) soft tissue arthroplasty. Mean follow-up was 4.9 months. All 17 patients had clinical and radiographic evidence of fusion at an average of 7.9 weeks, with an average fusion angle of 24.4°. There were no hardware complications, no infections, no revisions, and no indications for hardware removal.

Discussion

Our study results indicate the technique promotes rapid union at a precise angle, provides strong fixation that does not require prolonged immobilization, does not cause hardware irritation, and can be used in conjunction with other procedures including TMC arthroplasty when MCP arthrodesis is indicated for joint instability.     

Biomechanical comparison of three fixation techniques used for four-corner arthrodesis

Clinical results following four-corner arthrodesis vary and suggest that nonunion may be related to certain fixation techniques. The purpose of our study was to examine the displacement between the lunate and capitate following a simulated four-corner arthrodesis with the hypothesis that three types of fixation (Kirschner wires, dorsal circular plate, and a locked dorsal circular plate) would allow different amounts of displacement during simulated wrist flexion and extension. Cadaver wrists with simulated four-corner arthrodeses were loaded cyclically either to implant failure or until the lunocapitate displacement exceeded 1 mm. The locked dorsal circular plate group was significantly more stable than the dorsal circular plate and K-wire groups (p = 0.018 and p = 0.006). While these locked dorsal circular plates appear to be very stable our results are limited only to the biomechanical behavior of these fixation techniques within a cadaver model.     

经椎板关节突螺钉固定治疗下腰椎不稳

目的探讨关节突螺钉固定在下腰椎退行性不稳定患者手术中应用的临床效果。方法对19例退行性腰椎不稳患者采用后路椎板开窗减压，椎间植骨融合，经椎板关节突螺钉固定。结果19例随访6—36个月（平均21个月），椎间植骨融合率6个月时为86％，1年时为93％，临床症状消失，满意率92％。未出现断钉。结论采用后路椎板减压，经椎板关节突螺钉固定加椎间植骨能提高椎间融合率，使小关节稳定，解除临床症状。     

What is the best fixation technique for isolated talonavicular arthrodesis? – A systematic review

SummaryTalonavicular arthrodesis is associated with a rate of non-union that ranges from 3 % to 37 %. Various fixation devices have been reported for talonavicular arthrodesis including screws, staples, plates, K-wires and intraosseous fix systems, however there is no definitive gold standard. This systematic review aims to compare clinical outcomes between different fixation devices for talonavicular arthrodesis.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Google Scholar were reviewed for studies reporting on outcomes of different fixation techniques for talonavicular arthrodesis indicated for osteoarthritis, inflammatory and post-traumatic arthritis from 1946 to 2021. The primary outcome measure was union rate. Secondary outcome measures included functional improvement, cost, quality of life and patient satisfaction.Results9 articles involving 141 cases of talonavicular arthrodesis were identified. Fusion rates were as follows: screw fixation (n = 75): 87.5 % to 100 %, staple fixation (n = 13): 100 %, intraosseous fix system (n = 16): 100 %, and K-wire fixation (n = 2): 100 %. One study utilised a dorsal locking plate with two supplemented compression screws (n = 9, fusion rate= 100 %) and two studies used a combination of screws with staples (n = 26, fusion rate= 96 %). 7 of 9 studies measured functional outcomes and pain relief with improvement demonstrated in all fixation techniques. Quality of life, satisfaction and cost were inadequately reported amongst the included studies. All studies were rated as serious risk of bias.ConclusionThis systematic review consolidates the evidence for outcomes of different fixation techniques for TN arthrodesis, however a definitive judgement regarding the best fixation technique is unobtainable from current clinical evidence, due to lack of high-quality studies.With review of biomechanical studies and the limited clinical data, fixation with plate plus screw is most promising and would warrant further comparative study.Level of evidenceIV.     

Progression of Healing on Serial Radiographs Following First Ray Arthrodesis in the Foot Using a Biplanar Plating Technique Without Compression

A review of 195 first ray arthrodeses fixated with a twin-plate biplanar construct, without interfragmentary compression, is presented. This fixation construct was evaluated in a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) arthrodesis or the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMT) arthrodesis. Multiple radiographs were used to assess the progression of healing at the following postoperative time frames: 4 to 9 weeks, 10 to 12 weeks, >12 weeks, and the final follow-up. In total, 85 feet underwent first MTP arthrodesis, and 110 feet underwent first TMT arthrodesis. At the final radiographic follow-up, 97.44% of all cases had shown progressive osseous gap filling at the arthrodesis site, stable position of the bone segments, and intact hardware without loosening, 98.24% of the first MTP arthrodesis group and 96.82% of the first TMT arthrodesis group. Five (5.43%) feet had the presence of lucency at the fusion interface at the final follow-up, without positional change or hardware failure. Four (1.8%) feet had a failure of the hardware, loss of position, or frank gapping at the fusion site. Lucency decreased consistently over time in this series of patients (p < .00001). Progressive increase in callus density at the fusion site on serial radiographs was noted to be a consistent finding for both procedures and was the primary indicator of secondary bone healing at the noncompressed, relatively stable arthrodesis site. Our results confirm that biplanar plating construct without interfragmentary compression produces high fusion rates following the first MTP or TMT arthrodesis, with early weightbearing.     

Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: treatment with Herbert screw

From 1996 to 2000, 20 patients with a mean age of 53 underwent 20 arthrodeses with Herbert screws. There were 16 (80%) distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) and 4 (20%) thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint arthrodeses. Average follow-up was 25 months (range, 6-39 months). The diagnoses included rheumatoid arthritis in 10 patients, degenerative arthritis in 4, and post-traumatic arthritis in 6. Arthrodesis relieved pain and restored stability in all patients. Solid osseous union occurred in 19 patients (95%). The average interval to fusion was 8 weeks for DIP and 12 weeks for IP joint arthrodesis. Solid osseous union occurred in 19 patients (95%). The average interval to fusion was 8 weeks for distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis and 12 weeks for interphalangeal joint of the thumb. There were three complications: one delayed union, one nonunion because of a short screw, and one dorsal skin necrosis with amputation. It was shown that distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with a Herbert screw is a technique with several advantages: good clinical results, high rates of fusion, early mobilization, and the screw does not need to be removed after the fusion heals. Potential complications may be avoided by using the Herbert mini-screw.     

Primary stability of shoulder arthrodesis using cannulated cancellous screws

There are no biomechanical studies available concerned with the primary stability of shoulder arthrodesis. The aim of our biomechanical investigations was to ascertain a minimal material combination with high primary stability for shoulder arthrodesis. For that purpose, the primary stability of 6 different forms of screw arthrodesis was investigated under the stress of abduction, adduction, anteversion, and retroversion. The mean values of the screw arthrodeses were compared with those of a 16-hole plate arthrodesis. All tests were carried out on 24 human specimens without destruction by use of a materials testing machine. The most stable form of screw arthrodesis for the load directions of abduction, adduction, anteversion, and retroversion results from a specific configuration of screws comprising 3 horizontal humeroglenoid screws and 3 vertical acromiohumeral screws (318.5 +/- 99.0 N). For three forms of arthrodesis, each with 3 humerus-glenoid screws (299.9 +/- 95.4 N), no significant difference (P = .530) was found compared with a 16-hole plate arthrodesis (293.4 +/- 89.3 N). The plate arthrodeses only achieved higher power values on abduction and adduction stress in comparison with screw arthrodesis with 3 humerus-glenoid screws. The difference was insignificant. Because arthrodesis with 3 humerus-glenoid screws was significantly more stable on stress of anteversion and retroversion, this particular screw arthrodesis is considered superior to plate arthrodeses. The use of the most stable form of screw arthrodesis may reduce nonunion.     

Dorsal modified calcaneal plate for extensive midfoot arthrodesis

BACKGROUND: Extensive midfoot fusions can be challenging because of bone loss, deformity, and soft tissue anatomy. Several options have been advocated, including multiple screw fixation, medial plating, and plantar plating. We report a new technique using a dorsally-placed, modified calcaneal plate for treatment of this difficult clinical problem. METHODS: Patients undergoing extensive (more than four joints) midfoot arthrodeses with a dorsally-placed, modified calcaneal plate between 2000 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnoses included Charcot arthropathy (four), osteoarthritis (two), posttraumatic osteoarthritis (two), massive bone loss from previous infection (one), and residual clubfoot deformity (one). Patients with active midfoot infections were excluded. During the study period, midfoot arthrodeses with a dorsal calcaneal plate were done in 10 patients. Of these, nine patients were available for review. Arthrodeses were attempted in 62 joints in these nine patients. Autogenous grafting was used in three patients (23 joints), allograft was used in six patients (39 joints). Patients were maintained nonweightbearing until radiographs or computed tomography conclusively showed union. RESULTS: One of the 10 patients died from an unrelated cause. In the nine remaining patents, 95% (59 of 62) of joints fused within 4 months of surgery. Postoperative complications included nonunion with broken screws in one patient, and three wound problems successfully treated with local dressings. Secondary procedures included one revision arthrodesis and two hardware removals. Patient satisfaction with this procedure was very high (eight of nine). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a dorsal calcaneal plate is a viable method of fixation for achieving fusion in extensive midfoot arthropathy. The plate is low-profile and easily moldable to conform to dorsal midfoot anatomy. It can be placed without extensive plantar or medial foot dissection and maintains midfoot alignment until bony fusion occurs. In patients with complex midfoot pathology requiring multijoint fusions, the results have been satisfactory.     

An analysis of talar surface area occupied by screw fixation in ankle fusions

BACKGROUND: Ankle arthrodesis remains the benchmark of treatment for end-stage arthrosis of the ankle joint. Despite that, the incidence of nonunion can be as high as 15%. Various strategies have been used to reduce the incidence of nonunion, including multiple compression screws and larger diameter screws to improve mechanical stability and compression. The space occupied by an increasing amount of hardware across a finite surface area available for fusion has prompted concern that this strategy may be counterproductive and may reduce the biological potential of the construct. The purpose of this study was to look at 40 anatomic sawbone specimens of the ankle to determine the amount of talar surface contact area used by the screw fixation during arthrodesis. METHODS: Four groups were created to examine different techniques for arthrodesis. Simulated ankle arthrodeses were done using two- or three-screw fixation with 6.5-mm and 7.3-mm screws. Hardware was subsequently removed and the surface area used by the passing screws was measured. Total surface areas were calculated for each of the 40 specimens. RESULTS: The maximal surface area of the talus occupied by screws occurred when using three 7.3-mm screws. This configuration used 16% of the possible talar surface area available for arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: The use of additional screw fixation when performing an ankle arthrodesis does not sacrifice a major amount of the tibiotalar contact area and will most likely not affect the biologic environment needed to obtain fusion.     

Scaphoid Excision and Limited Wrist Fusion: A Comparison of K-Wire and Circular Plate Fixation

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome, union rate, and complications of a consecutive series of Scaphoid excision and limited wrist arthrodesis performed by a single surgeon using distal radius bone graft and K-wires or circular plate fixation. A sequential series of ten patients(11 wrists) who were stabilized with temporary K-wires were compared to 11 patients (11 wrists) who were stabilized with a circular plate. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. One patient in the K-wire group was converted to a wrist fusion. Six of the remaining ten patients in the K-wire fixation group and 8 of the 11 patients in the circular plate fixation group returned for the following blinded evaluations: Quick DASH, analog pain scale, range of motion, grip and pinch strength, plain x-ray, and multi-detector computed tomography evaluation. One non-union occurred in the K-wire group. There were no non-unions in the circular plate fixation group. There was no difference in any of remaining measures or rate of complications. This study shows that equivalent results can be obtained using circular plate fixation compared to K-wires when equivalent bone graft source and fusion technique are used. If K-wire removal requires a return to the OR, circular plate fixation is more cost-effective.