Podcast #207: Boxer's Fracture

Author: Sam Killian, M.D.

Educational Pearls:

• Defined as fracture of neck (distal segment) of 5th metacarpal.
• Intrinsic muscles of hand pull segment to palmar aspect of hand.
• 30 degrees of angulation is allowed. Any more increases risk of chronic pain, grip strength and grasping deficits, and rotational deformities.
• Reduce fracture if more than 30 degrees of angulation or if rotation is present.
• Splint fracture in "ulnar gutter" with goal being flexion at MCP and extension at DIP and PIP.

References: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/boxers_fracture/article_em.htm