IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

5th metacarpal fracture with follow up

Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sports' injury.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

1st x-ray study

x-ray

Intra-articular oblique meta-epiphyseal fracture of the 5th metacarpal of the right hand, with extension to its diaphysis.

Postoperative x-ray study

x-ray

8 weeks after incident and 2 weeks after surgery.

Case Discussion

Initially, a conservative approach was attempted for the patient presented above. However, as there was no evidence that the healing process was happening satisfactory, surgery was indicated. There is a variety of options for fixation of metacarpal fractures and surgical treatment usually has good prognosis. Regarding the cases treated by closed means with K-wire, such as the patient of the case above, fixation outcomes do tend to show more mobility than with plate fixation.

Contributed by Dr. Guilherme Pioli Resende M.D. and Dr. Daniel Brito de Medeiros M.D.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.