Presentation
Motorcycle accident. Swollen right hand upon physical examination.
Patient Data
Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Metacarpal neck fractures
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/123748/annotated_viewer_json?iframe=true\u0026lang=us"}
Radiographs revealed metacarpal neck fractures of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th metacarpals with volar displacement.
Case Discussion
Metacarpal neck fractures are common and usually involve the 4th and/or 5th metacarpals. The fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck is commonly referred to as a boxer's fracture.
They are generally the result of axial loading of the metacarpal head, which oftentimes is caused by punching a hard surface. In this case, the clenched fist of the rider holding the motorcycle's handlebars most likely hit a hard surface.