Introduction
The article written by Benjamin Dean and Christopher Little is aimed at discussing the fractures of phalanges and metacarpals. In particular, they focus on the selection of the most appropriate management plan. The authors provide a sound and convincing rational for examining this question. They argue that these orthopedic injuries increase medical costs and reduce a person’s productivity (Dean & Little, 2011, p. 43). Therefore, medical workers should find an optimal way of helping this people. The scholars do not rely on any theoretical framework while discussing this problem. Moreover, they do not conduct any empirical research. The scholars do not single out any specific hypothesis that can be tested. Benjamin Dean and Christopher Little use such a method as literature review; however, this method can throw light on the question that the authors intend to discuss. The writers speak about the background studies that describe the complications associated with the fractures of the metacarpals. The results of this review article can be used in clinical setting. The authors use a wide range of sources, but some of them were published more than two decades ago. Additionally, they explain the need to systematize the knowledge which is now available to researchers.
Method
As it has been said before, the authors rely primarily on literature review. Therefore, one cannot speak about such issues as sample size, the selection of participants, or ethical issues that can be related to the study. Additionally, the researchers do not identify dependent or independent variables. Furthermore, it is not possible to speak about the measurement of these variables. Moreover, the scholars do not use any statistical methods in their review article.
Discussion
This review article does not contain a separate discussion section. There are several sections describing various metacarpal fractures. Moreover, the authors do not speak about possible limitations of their study. In the concluding paragraph, the scholars say that physicians should consider such factors as the length of rehabilitation or the possibility of complications while selecting a treatment method (Dean & Little, 2011, p. 56). Additionally, they do not speak about the need for further research. This is the main shortcomings that can be identified.
Last Statement
This article can be considered by physicians who treat the fractures of phalanges and metacarpals. However, this study cannot be used as a guideline because the scholars do not study empirical data. Moreover, some of the sources have become out-of-date. Therefore, the recommendations offered by researchers should be viewed critically.
Management of metacarpal fractures
Introduction
In their article, Thomas McNemar, Julianne Howell, and Eric Chang (2003) discuss the management of metacarpal fractures. The authors give a compelling rational for the research by noting that metacarpal fractures constitute at least 30 % of various hand injuries (McNemar et al., 2003, p. 127). Therefore, one should identify the rules which can help physicians to avoid complications. The scholars do not carry out an empirical study. Moreover, they do not speak about any theoretical framework. This article does not contain a hypothesis or a research question. More likely, researchers try to identify treatment options that are most suitable for different types of metacarpal fractures. By relying on empirical findings of other scholars, the authors can identify the most effective treatment methods. Overall, this scholarly work is primarily related to everyday practices of physicians who treat patients with metacarpal fractures. In this article, the writers give a review a various empirical studies describing the best practices in treating metacarpal fractures. However, the authors do not show that there is a need to fill a certain knowledge gap. This is one of the limitations that can be singled out.
Method
Researchers rely primarily on the empirical studies carried out by others. They do not conduct any independent research. Moreover, they do not try to examine the relations between some independent and dependent variables. Thus, one cannot speak about sample size or selection criteria. Furthermore, the researchers cannot control the validity of research methods, randomization, and other aspects of research design.
Discussion
This article does not include a discussion section which can provide an interpretation of the main findings. The authors do not speak about the limitations of their study. This is of the problems that can be distinguished. Furthermore, they do not show how this study can be continued.
Last Statement
On the whole, this study should be taken into account by physicians or students because McNemar et al., (2003) give a detailed description of fractures and how they can be managed. However, the authors do not identify a set of step-by-step instructions that should be followed. This is one of the drawbacks that should be taken into account.
Operative treatment of metacarpal fractures of the hand
Introduction
In this article, Brian Sennett (1997) examines the operative methods of treating metacarpal fractures. The rationale for studying this research is based on the premise that metacarpal fractures are very widespread injuries; moreover, they can result in many complications such as deformity or even disability (Sennett, 1997, p. 127). Therefore, it is vital to single out the best treatment options. It seems that these reasons are quite acceptable. The author relies on the empirical data gathered by other researchers, but he does not carry out an independent empirical study. Moreover, Brian Sennett does not speak about theoretical model that can form the basis of the study. Furthermore, the author does not single out a hypothesis that should be tested. Brian Sennett shows that his study is related to the work of surgeons who should treat patients with metacarpal fractures. It should be noted that the scholar uses studies which became obsolete even at the time when the article was published. Moreover, the scholar does not explain why an additional study is necessary. This is one o the problems that should not be overlooked.
Method
Brian Sennett relies on such a method as literature review. Yet, he does not rely on the data collection procedures that are typical of empirical studies. He does not select a sample from a specific group of people. Moreover, it is not possible to speak about dependent, independent, or extraneous variables. The author does not employ any statistical tools that can be used to analyze information.
Discussion
There is no section in which the author discusses the major findings, their validity or limitations of the research methods. Moreover, Brien Sennett does not speak about the way in which his study can be extended. This is one of the aspects that can be singled out. Additionally, the scholar does not speak about the implications of this research.
Last Statement
Despite possible limitations of the research methods, the article can be of great use of physicians because the author provides clear-cut instructions describing operative treatment of metacarpal fractures. However, the methods recommended by Brian Sennett are acceptable only when operative intervention is the only option available to a physician.
Reference List
Dean, B., & Little, C. (2011). Fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges. Orthopaedics and Trauma, 25 (1), 43-56.
McNemar, T., Howell J, Chang, E. (2003). Management of metacarpal fractures. Journal of Hand Therapy, 16(2), 143-151.
Sennett, B. (1997). Operative Treatment of Metacarpal Fractures of the Hand (Excluding Thumb Metacarpal Fractures). Operative Techniques in Orthopedics, 7(2), 127-133.