Fractures of the metacarpal neck of the little finger

Abstract

A prospective study of 73 patients with fractures of the metacarpal neck of the little finger is reported. Fifty-seven (78 per cent) of the patients were followed up between 1 and 2 years after the injury. Forty-three (75 per cent) of these patients complained of symptoms, though only one patient considered himself disabled. The normal head/shaft angle at the fifth metacarpal neck measured in 12 control subjects as viewed on an oblique radiograph was 26 degrees. The importance of allowing for this normal angulation when assessing the angulation at the fracture is discussed. After manipulation, the corrected position of the fracture is not adequately maintained by a volar plaster slab. No definite relationship between the presence of symptoms and the residual angulation at the fracture site was demonstrated. Manipulation of these fractures is thus seldom indicated.