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Epibasal thumb fracture

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Hit by jackhammer.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Impacted, transverse fracture through the proximal first metacarpal shaft with no intra-articular extension or comminution. Fracture is mildly impacted. No dislocation.

Background changes consistent with osteoarthritis. Linear metallic density from body projects in the palmar tissues of the proximal fifth finger.

Case Discussion

With thumb fractures it is important to differentiate from intra-articular and extra-articular fractures. This is an example of an extra-articular two-part fracture that is called an epibasal fracture

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