May 22, 2017
Author: Sam Killian, M.D.
Educational Pearls:
- Defined as fracture of neck (distal segment) of 5th metacarpal.
- Intrinsic muscles of hand pull segment to palmar aspect of hand.
- 30 degrees of angulation is allowed. Any more increases risk of chronic pain, grip strength and grasping deficits, and rotational deformities.
- Reduce fracture if more than 30 degrees of angulation or if rotation is present.
- Splint fracture in “ulnar gutter” with goal being flexion at MCP and extension at DIP and PIP.
References: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/boxers_fracture/article_em.htm