J Korean Fract Soc.  1997 Jul;10(3):645-650. 10.12671/jksf.1997.10.3.645.

Fractures at the Base of the Fifth Metacarpal

• Kang HJ
• Kim HS
• Shin DE
• Kang ES

• KMID: 2195236
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.1997.10.3.645

Abstract

The treatment of 16 intraarticular fractures at the base of the fifth metacarpal was studied. Intraarticular fractures at the base of the fifth metacarpal resembled Bennetts and Rolandos fractures in their pattern and in their tendency to instability. The problem was usually not the reduction, but rather maintaining the reduction. A force hitting the head of the fifth metacarpal along the longitudinal axis of the metacarpal was the most common cause of injury, Five fractures were immobilized in a plaster cast after closed reduction. Six fractures were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, 4 by open reduction and pinning. 1 by open reduction and plating. At follow up after median 14.8 months, the result of 11 cases was satisfactory. Two cases nonoperated showed decreased grip power, limited motion, radiographical signs of osteoarthritis, and pain. Three cases operated showed decreased grip power. We concluded that restoration of articular surface and internal fixation againt the muscular pull was mandatory for a satisfactory outcome.

Keyword

Fifth Metacarpal; Fracture

MeSH Terms

Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Casts, Surgical
Follow-Up Studies
Hand Strength
Head
Intra-Articular Fractures
Osteoarthritis