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Metacarpal fractures: treatment and complications

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HAND

Abstract

Metacarpal fractures comprise between 18–44 % of all hand fractures. Non-thumb metacarpals account for around 88 % of all metacarpal fractures, with the fifth finger most commonly involved [19]. The majority of metacarpal fractures are isolated injuries, which are simple, closed, and stable. While many metacarpal fractures do well without surgery, there is a paucity of literature and persistent controversy to guide the treating physician on the best treatment algorithm. The purpose of this article is to review non-thumb metacarpal anatomy and treatment protocols for nonoperative management of stable fractures, and compare existing literature on surgical techniques for treatment of acute fractures and complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, 4245 Roosevelt Way N.E., Box 354740, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA

    Kathleen M. Kollitz, Nicholas B. Vedder & Jerry I. Huang

  2. Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 2927, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Kathleen M. Kollitz

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Warren C. Hammert

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  1. Kathleen M. Kollitz
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  2. Warren C. Hammert
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  3. Nicholas B. Vedder
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  4. Jerry I. Huang
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Correspondence to Jerry I. Huang.

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Kollitz, K.M., Hammert, W.C., Vedder, N.B. et al. Metacarpal fractures: treatment and complications. HAND 9, 16–23 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-013-9562-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-013-9562-1

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