Subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone

Abstract

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.

The boxers fracture: a simple and effective method of external splintage.

“…It has been our experience (unpublished) that boxers fractures with a volar angulation of greater than 30°is associated with pain, deformity and a decrease in grip strength. This corresponds to Lowdon (1986), who showed that residual angulation was related to the severity of pain and Abdon (1984) who showed that a greater angulation caused a more severe disibility. We therefore find it difficult to accept the conclusion drawn by Porter et al, (1988) that functional outcome is not significantly related to the degree of residual angulation, and that these fractures do not require treatment.…”

The use of catgut in the primary closure of scalp wounds in children.

“…This corresponds to Lowdon (1986), who showed that residual angulation was related to the severity of pain and Abdon (1984) who showed that a greater angulation caused a more severe disibility. We therefore find it difficult to accept the conclusion drawn by Porter et al, (1988) that functional outcome is not significantly related to the degree of residual angulation, and that these fractures do not require treatment.…”

Colocação segura de pinos percutâneos em fraturas subcapitais do quinto metacarpo: um estudo anatômico

“…In literature there is a significant variation of degree of palmar angulation that can be acceptable for fifth metacarpal neck fractures. Some authors [18][19][20] believe that palmar angulation exceeding 30° requires reduction and others tolerate angles of up to 40°,21 50°22 or even 70°. 23 There is no consensus on the need to reduce the fracture or on how to maintain reduction.…”