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Non-thumb metacarpal fracture (head)
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Intra-articular fracture
Clinical Features
- Swelling, decreased ROM, and TTP of MCP joint
Differential Diagnosis
Hand and Finger Fractures
- Non-thumb metacarpal fractures
- Head
- Neck
- Shaft
- Base
- Boxer's fracture
- Thumb fracture
- Finger (Phalanx) Fracture
Evaluation
Physical
- Assess for rotational alignment (rotational malalignment is not tolerated)
- Assess for skin integrity (maintain high index of suspicion for Closed fist infection)[1]
Imaging
- AP, lateral, oblique
- Angulation assessed on lateral view
- Consider "Brewerton view (X-Ray)" if collateral ligament avulsion fracture suspected
Management
- Ulnar Gutter Splint or Short arm cast that extends to the PIP joint
- In a comparison of the typical 4th and 5th digit flexed at the MCP joint and a short arm, there was no significant benefit to the intrinsic plus position of the fingers[2]
- Remove restrictive clothing, jewelry, etc.
Disposition
- Almost always refer because are intraarticular and typically comminuted
- Dorsal MCP wounds and lacerations should be treated as open and contaminated[1]
- Non-displaced fracture can be splinted for 2-3 weeks followed by ROM exercises
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 German C. Hand and wrist emergencies. In: Bond M, ed. Orthopedic Emergencies: Expert Management for the Emergency Physician. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; October 31, 2013.
- ↑ http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.04.010.
Authors
Ross Donaldson, Ted Fan, Neil Young, Jonathan Snyder, Daniel Ostermayer
