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Subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone

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Summary

The incidence of upper extremity fractures was 8.8 per 1,000 inhabitants per year. Five per cent of these fractures occurred in the subcapital region of the fifth metacarpal bone. In a patient series the volar angulation after subcapital fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone was determined with a novel technique and related to functional and cosmetic outcome. In spite of volar angulation, the patients' discomfort was minor. An absolute volar angulation exceeding 30° requires reduction, however.

Zusammenfassung

Die Häufigkeit von Frakturen an den oberen Extremitäten betrug 8,8 auf 1000 Einwohner im Jahr. Von diesen Frakturen ereigneten sich 5 im subcapitalen Bereich des V. Mittelhandknochens. In einer Serie von Patienten wurde die volare Abknikkung nach einer subcapitalen Fraktur des V. Metacarpale mit einer neuen Technik bestimmt und mit dem funktionellen und kosmetischen Ergebnis in Beziehung gebracht. Trotz der volaren Abknickung waren die Beschwerden der Patienten gering. Eine volare Abknickung, die 30° überschreitet, erfordert allerdings eine Reposition.

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Supported by the Medical Faculty, University of Lund, and by the Swedish Medical Research Council (project no. 17X-2031)

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Abdon, P., Mühlow, A., Stigsson, L. et al. Subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 103, 231–234 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387327

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387327

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