Boxer's fracture

Case contributed by David Horvath
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Medial hand pain following an altercation.

Patient Data

Age: 18-year-old
Gender: Male
x-ray

Fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal with volar displacement of the head of the fifth metacarpal giving the impression that the neck and head are overlapping.

x-ray

Reverse L-shaped fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone causing volar displacement of the head of the fifth metacarpal bone.

Case Discussion

A true boxer's fracture involves a fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone. Treatment varies depending on whether the fracture is open, malrotated, or angulated. This patient required closed reduction followed by six weeks of immobilization with an ulnar gutter splint.

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