Abstract
Transverse metacarpal shaft fractures often result from crush or high-velocity injuries and are accompanied by severe swelling and soft tissue damage even when the fracture is closed (Figs. 16-1 A and 16-2 A). Even though the fracture configuation is stable, satisfactory reduction may not be possible because of soft tissue swelling (Fig. 16-1 B). Open reduction (Figs. 16-1 C, D) may be necessary. The surgeon must decide whether the additional dissection necesary for plate fixation is justified by the considerably increased stability achieved at the fracture site (Figs. 16-1 E-G). With less dissection, a tension band wire with or without neutralizing Kirschner wires may be considered for stabilization of a transverse or short oblique metacarpal diaphyseal fracture (Figs. 16-2 A-C).
This x-ray demonstrates a completely displaced, angulated, and shortened transverse fracture of the diaphysis of the second metacarpal.
There was severe soft tissue swelling, and closed reduction efforts failed.
An S-shaped incision was used in this instance.
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© 1986 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
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Freeland, A.E., Jabaley, M.E., Hughes, J.L. (1986). Transverse and Short Oblique Metacarpal Shaft Fractures. In: Stable Fixation of the Hand and Wrist. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8640-7_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8640-7_16
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-8642-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-8640-7
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