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Review
. 2020 Jul 28;12(7):e9442.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.9442.

Management of Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fracture (Boxer's Fracture): A Literature Review

Malik Hatim Hussain  1 , Ali Ghaffar  1 , Qaisar Choudry  1 , Zafar Iqbal  2   3 , Muhammad Noman Khan  4
Affiliations
Review

Management of Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fracture (Boxer's Fracture): A Literature Review

Malik Hatim Hussain et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Boxer's fracture is the fifth metacarpal neck fracture resulting from direct trauma to the clenched fist. Worldwide, this type of fracture is the most typical presentation to emergency departments. The management of fifth metacarpal fractures varies from one setting to another. Conservative management is the preferred option for closed, non-angulated, non-malrotated fractures while open fractures, significant angulation, rotational deformity, and intra-articular extension are recognised indications for surgical intervention. The scope of this article covers the results of a literature review examining the management strategies for such fractures.

Keywords: boxer's fracture; fifth metacarpal fracture; hand injury; metacarpal fractures.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. X-ray (PA view) of the right hand shows an extra-articular, comminuted fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal
PA = Posteroanterior
Figure 2
Figure 2. X-ray (oblique view) shows an extra-articular, comminuted fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal with volar angulation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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