Base of little finger metacarpal fracture

Case contributed by Jeremy Jones
Diagnosis certain

Non-standard project because of pain (likely reverse oblique). Soft-tissue swelling over the lateral border of the hand.

Displaced fracture at the base of the little finger metacarpal that extends into the carpometacarpal joint. There is no dislocation or other fracture.

Case Discussion

This little finger metacarpal fracture could be easily missed if you don't check around each bone on the radiograph and don't do a double check of the carpometacarpal joints. Carpometacarpal fractures and dislocations are some of the commonest misses and can lead to significant loss of function if missed.

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