The incidence of upper extremity fractures was 8.8 per 1,000 inhabitants per year. Five per cent of these fractures occurred in the subcapital region of the fifth metacarpal bone. In a patient series the volar angulation after subcapital fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone was determined with a novel technique and related to functional and cosmetic outcome. In spite of volar angulation, the patients' discomfort was minor. An absolute volar angulation exceeding 30 degrees requires reduction, however.

Summary The attitude of the fetal head was determined in 445 women with breech presentations. Thirty‐three women (7.4 per cent) were found to have a fetus with the head in various degrees of hyperextension. Of these 26 were born vaginally and seven by Caesarean section. At follow‐up (2 to 4 years) five of the vaginally born infants (22 per cent) had neurological sequelae referable to spinal, supraspinal and cerebellar injuries but all infants born by Caesarean section were normal. The results emphasise the value of an abdominal X‐ray examination of all women with breech presentations. Caesarean section is recommended if the fetal head is hyperextended.

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