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Review
. 2014 Mar;9(1):16-23.
doi: 10.1007/s11552-013-9562-1.

Metacarpal fractures: treatment and complications

Kathleen M Kollitz  1 , Warren C Hammert  2 , Nicholas B Vedder  3 , Jerry I Huang  3
Affiliations
Review

Metacarpal fractures: treatment and complications

Kathleen M Kollitz et al. Hand (N Y). 2014 Mar.

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.

Keywords: Fractures; Hand; Metacarpals; Trauma.

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