There is little information about the treatment of carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture-dislocations. The purpose of this study was to investigate treatment methods and times between diagnosis and surgery in CMC fracture-dislocations.

In 18 cases treated by surgery, the 4, 5th CMC joints were found to be the most frequently involved in 13 cases. Comminution of the carpal or metacarpal bone was present in 8 cases. The time to surgery was within 3 days in 10 patients, within 5 days in 6, within 9 days in one patient and more than 4 weeks in one. All the injuries were managed by closed reduction and K-wire fixation except for one which was detected after 4 weeks since initial trauma.

A painless full hand function was restored in 13 cases. Intermittent pain was present in 5 cases in which there was comminution in 4. However, clinically full hand function was restored in 4 cases except for one in whom the treatment was delayed.

If the treatment of CMC fracture-dislocation is not delayed a successful result can be gained using the closed method even though comminution occurs.