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Review
. 2018 Nov 1:11:1179544118809050.
doi: 10.1177/1179544118809050. eCollection 2018.

A Narrative Review on Avulsion Fractures of the Upper and Lower Limbs

Christopher Vannabouathong  1 , Olufemi R Ayeni  2   3 , Mohit Bhandari  2
Affiliations
Review

A Narrative Review on Avulsion Fractures of the Upper and Lower Limbs

Christopher Vannabouathong et al. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. .

Abstract

Avulsion fractures compromise function and movement at the affected joint. If left untreated, it can lead to deformity, nonunion, malunion, pain, and disability. The purpose of this review was to identify and describe the epidemiology and available treatment options for common avulsion fractures of the upper and lower extremities. Current evidence suggests that optimal treatment is dependent on the severity of the fracture. Conservative efforts generally include casting or splinting with a period of immobilization. Surgery is typically indicated for more severe cases or if nonoperative treatments fail; patient demographics or preferences and surgeon experience may also play a role in decision making. Some avulsion fractures can be surgically managed with any one of various techniques, each with their own pros and cons, and often there is no clear consensus on choosing one technique over another; however, there is some research suggesting that screw fixation, when possible, may offer the best stability and compression at the fracture site and earlier mobilization and return to function. Physicians should be mindful of the potential complications associated with each intervention.

Keywords: Review; avulsion fracture; lower extremity; upper extremity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests:The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: C.V. is an employee of OrthoEvidence Inc. O.R.A has received speaking fees from ConMed and research support from the Arthroscopy Association of North America. M.B. reports no other conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Avulsion fractures of the upper and lower limbs.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Treatment of mallet finger injury.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Treatment of scaphoid avulsion fracture.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Treatment of triceps tendon avulsion fracture.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Treatment of humeral epicondyle avulsion fracture.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Treatment of tuberosity avulsion fracture.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Treatment of coracoid process avulsion fracture.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Treatment of tibial tubercle avulsion fracture.
Figure 10.
Figure 10.
Treatment of tibial spine avulsion fracture.
Figure 11.
Figure 11.
Treatment of fifth metatarsal avulsion fracture.
Figure 12.
Figure 12.
Treatment of avulsion fracture at the lateral border of talar dome.
Figure 13.
Figure 13.
Treatment of ankle malleolar avulsion fracture.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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