Epibasal fracture of the thumb

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Trauma to the thumb.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male

Left hand radiographs

x-ray

There is a transverse fracture of the proximal first metacarpal bone with no intra-articular extension. 

CT Left wrist

ct

There is a transverse fracture through the proximal metaphyseal region of the fifth metacarpal bone with lateral angulation and no intra-articular extension. The carpal bones are intact, no evidence of scaphoid fractures. Soft tissue swelling and carpal joint effusion noted. 

Case Discussion

Classical appearances of an epibasal fracture of the thumb, which differs from Rolando and Bennett fractures by not extending into the joint space. The CT scan was done given a suspected scaphoid fracture, which was not identified. 

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