Non-thumb metacarpal fracture (shaft): Difference between revisions

(Text replacement - " pt " to " patient ")
(Text replacement - "fx " to "fracture ")
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==Imaging==
==Imaging==
* Oblique fx are more prone to shorten and rotate
* Oblique fracture are more prone to shorten and rotate
* Transverse fx generally stable (particularly isolated 3rd or 4th MC shaft fx)
* Transverse fracture generally stable (particularly isolated 3rd or 4th MC shaft fx)


==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
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** Malrotation
** Malrotation
** Comminution
** Comminution
** Shortening > 5mm (refer all shortening if not familiar with fx management)
** Shortening > 5mm (refer all shortening if not familiar with fracture management)
** 2 or more metacarpal fractures
** 2 or more metacarpal fractures
** Unacceptable angulation
** Unacceptable angulation

Revision as of 04:34, 3 July 2016

Examination

  • TTP along affected metacarpal
  • Flexion at MCP is difficult
  • Assess for extensor dysfunction; patient may exhibit "pseudo-clawing" during attempts at finger extension
  • Assess angulation
    • >10 deg in 2nd and 3rd and >20 deg in 4th and 5th metacarpal shaft fractures requires reduction
  • Assess rotational alignment

Imaging

  • Oblique fracture are more prone to shorten and rotate
  • Transverse fracture generally stable (particularly isolated 3rd or 4th MC shaft fx)

Differential Diagnosis

Hand and Finger Fracture Types

Treatment

  • Ulnar Gutter Splint or Radial Gutter Splint]
  • Acute reduction indicated if there is pseudo-clawing or significant angulation
    • Closed reduction generally corrects angulation but typically does not restore length

Disposition

  • Refer:
    • Malrotation
    • Comminution
    • Shortening > 5mm (refer all shortening if not familiar with fracture management)
    • 2 or more metacarpal fractures
    • Unacceptable angulation
    • Long oblique fractures

See Also

References