Skip to main content

Fracture, Metacarpal Base/Shaft: I-V, Sports Medicine

Tara Robbins, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Metacarpal shaft and base fractures are defined by their location, pattern, and displacement:

    • Three types of metacarpal shaft fractures: transverse, oblique or spiral, and comminuted

    • T...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Direct blow versus indirect blow with rotational torque: Rotational torque often leads to spiral fractures.

  • Nerve injury or damage to the extensor tendon frequently is associated with ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Once thorough neurovascular examination is complete, wrist or hematoma block may facilitate reduction if necessary.

  • Impaction fractures of the metacarpal bases that are not si...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Follow up 1 wk after injury with radiographs to evaluate for angulation, rotation, and shortening.

  • Splint/cast should remain in place for 3 to 4 wk minimum.

  • Rehabil...

REFERENCES

1
Chin SH, Vedder NB. MOC-PSSM CME article: metacarpal fractures. Plast Reconstr Surg.  2008;121(Suppl 1):1–13.
2
Wong VW, Higgins JP. Evidence-based medicine: management of metacarpal fr...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Capo JT, Hastings H. Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in athletes. Clin Sports Med.  1998;17(3):491–511.

  • Harrison BP, Hilliard MW. Emergency department evaluation and treatme...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Metacarpal fractures that are more distal and ulnar are better tolerated and are more amendable to nonoperative treatment.

  • Boxer’s fractures are metacarpal neck fractures involving the ...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×