Fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck

Abstract

The authors reviewed 129 cases of fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal. The radiological work-up of this fractures should include an anterio-posterior film with the hand supinated, and an oblique ulnar view with the hand pronated. This fractures can be separated into 4 categories: true cervical fractures; cervico-cephalic fractures; cervico-diaphysary fractures; and epiphyseal separations. In 78 patients an immediate mobilisation was performed. 51 fractures have been treated by multiple medullary pinning because of an unacceptable volar angulation associated with mal-rotation. Good and excellent results were obtained in 86% of cases.