Skip to main content

Fracture, Metacarpal Neck: I-V, Sports Medicine

Chris Koutures, MD, FAAP Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • The metacarpal neck (distal metaphysis) is the aspect of the metacarpal shaft immediately underneath the metacarpal head.

  • The weakest point of the metacarpal is located at the distal ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Axial load or direct trauma, often to clenched fist or dorsum of the hand

  • Immediate pain and swelling noted

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Swelling and tenderness on the dorsum of the hand, often accompa...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used along with ice for immediate analgesia.

  • Teeth marks can represent entry pathway for infection, especially if noted ad...

ONGOING CARE

  • If splint used, fractures should remain splinted for a minimum of 3 to 4 wk.

  • Clinical healing is defined as no tenderness with palpation of the fracture site.

  • Once the splints are removed, ...

REFERENCES

1
Capo J, Hastings HII. Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in athletes. Clin Sports Med.  1998;17(3):491–511.
2
Statius Muller MG, Poolman RW, van Hoogstraten MJ, et al. Immediate mobili...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Must consider metacarpal neck fractures in any punching, striking, or axial load injury mechanism

  • Common complications include open bite wounds, malrotation, and significant fracture an...

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.

×