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Metacarpal Fractures: Tips and Tricks

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Tips and Tricks for Problem Fractures, Volume I

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Abstract

Metacarpal fractures account for up to 18% of all upper extremity fractures seen below the elbow. The small finger sustains the most fractures followed by the ring, long, thumb, and index fingers. Stable metacarpal fractures are traditionally treated with immobilization. There is no consensus on how to treat unstable metacarpal fractures. Ideally the fixation utilized should be stable enough to allow for mobility as early as 3 weeks to reduce the risk of stiffness. There are many treatment methods that each have their own advantages and disadvantages. This chapter presents several cases showcasing different fixation methods for various fracture patterns.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA

    Anil Akoon

  2. Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA

    Joel Christian Klena

Authors
  1. Anil Akoon
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  2. Joel Christian Klena
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA, USA

    Daniel S. Horwitz

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA

    Michael Suk

  3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA

    Teresa K. Swenson

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Akoon, A., Klena, J.C. (2020). Metacarpal Fractures: Tips and Tricks. In: Horwitz, D., Suk, M., Swenson, T. (eds) Tips and Tricks for Problem Fractures, Volume I. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38274-2_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38274-2_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-38273-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-38274-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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