Hand and finger fractures: Difference between revisions

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==Background==
[[File:Hand bones.svg|thumb|Hand bones]]
*Splinting is used in initial immobilization of, and often is definitive tx for, metacarpal fractures
*Maintenance of MCP joint in flexion is important to avoid immobility contractures of  collateral ligaments


==Thumb Fracture==
==Types==
===Classification===
{{Hand and finger fractures DDX}}
* Type I (Bennett's Fx)
** Fx-dislocation of the base of the metacarpal (intraarticular)
* Type II (Rolando's Fx)
** Comminuted version of a Bennett's fracture (intraarticular)
* Type III
** Extraarticular (transverse or oblique)
* Type IV
** Extraarticular pediatric fx involving the proximal physis
===Diagnosis===
*Examination
** Important to distinguish tenderness at base of 1st MC from injury to scaphoid, trapezium, or distal radius
** If pain or ecchymosis occurs more distally at the MCP (particularly on the ulnar side) consider ulnar collateral ligament injury (Game Keeper's Thumb)
* Imaging
** AP, lateral, oblique
===Treatment===
* Splinting
** Type I, II - Thumb-spica with the IP joint free and wrist in 30 deg of extension
** Type III - Short arm thumb-spica extening to the IP joint and wrist in 30 deg of extension
* RICE
** Significant swelling or overly aggressive icing to radial side of thumb may result in temporary palsy to the superficial radial nerve (numbness over the dorsum of the thumb)
* Reduction
** Indicated for:
*** Angulated extraarticular fx if clinician is comfortable with the procedure
===Disposition===
* Refer within 3-5 days:
** All intraarticular fractures warrant referral (most require sx)
** Extraarticular fractures that cannot be adequately reduced


==Non-Thumb Metacarpal Head Fracture==
==Differential Diagnosis==
*Intra-articular Fx
{{Hand and finger injury DDX}}
*Examination
**Swelling, decreased ROM, and TTP of MCP joint
**Assess for rotational alignment (rotational malalignment is not tolerated)
**Assess for skin integrity (r/o fight bite)
*Imaging
**AP, lateral, oblique
***Angulation assessed on lateral view
**Consider "Brewerton" view if collateral ligament avulsion fx suspected
*Treatment
**Ulnar or radial gutter splint
***MCP joints in 70-90 deg flexion, wrist in 20-30 deg extension, PIP and DIP joints in 5-10 deg of flexion
*Dispo
**Almost always refer b/c are intraarticular and typically comminuted
**Non-displaced fx can be splinted for 2-3 weeks followed by ROM exercises


==Non-Thumb Metacarpal Neck Fracture==
==See Also==
*Examination
*[[Fractures (Main)]]
**TTP or ecchymosis on the palmar bony surface is highly suggestive of fracture
*[[Hand Diagnoses (Main)]]
**Loss of the normal knuckle contour
***Due to dorsal angulation of fracture apex due to pull of the interosseous muscles
**Assess angulation
***Head-to-neck angle of the metacarpals is normally 15 degrees
****Fracture angulation = measured angle minus 15 deg
***Angle toleration (below which there is no adverse functional outcome)
****2nd MC < 10 deg
****3rd MC < 20 deg
****4th MC < 30 deg
****5th MC < 30 deg
**Assess rotational alignment
**Assess extensor apparatus
**Assess skin integrity
*Treatment
**Gutter splint
***MCP joints in 70-90 deg flexion, wrist in 20-30 deg extension, PIP and DIP joints in 5-10 deg of flexion
**Acute reduction indicated:
***Pseudoclawing
***Significantly angulated 4th or 5th MC fx
*Dispo
**Refer for:
***Comminution
***Rotational malalignment


==Non-Thumb Metacarpal Shaft Fracture==
==References==
* Examination
<references/>
** TTP along affected metacarpal
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
** Flexion at MCP is difficult
** Assess for extensor dysfunction; pt may exhibit "pseudo-clawing" during attempts at finger extension
** Assess angulation
*** >10 deg in 2nd and 3rd and >20 deg in 4th and 5th metacarpal shaft fractures requires reduction
** Assess rotational alignment
* Imaging
** Oblique fx are more prone to shorten and rotate
** Transverse fx generally stable (particularly isolated 3rd or 4th MC shaft fx)
* Treatment
** Gutter splint
** Acute reduction indicated if there is pseudo-clawing or significant angulation
*** Closed reduction generally corrects angulation but typically does not restore length
* Dispo
** Refer:
*** Malrotation
*** Comminution
*** Shortening > 5mm (refer all shortening if not familiar with fx management)
*** 2 or more metacarpal fractures
*** Unacceptable angulation
*** Long oblique fractres
 
==Non-Thumb Metacarpal Base Fracture==
* Examination
** Movement at the wrist elicits pain
** Assess for ulnar deficits (finger abduction/adduction)
** Assess for rotational alignment
* Imaging
** AP, lateral, oblique
** 30 deg obliques pronated and supinated if usual films unable to visualize the MC bases
** Consider CT if index of suspicion high for occult fx despite "negative" plain films
* Treatment
** Dorsal and volar splints with the wrist in 30 deg of extension and MCP joints free
* Dispo
** Refer for:
*** Intraarticular fx
*** Etraarticular fx with malrotation
*** Dislocation of metacarpal base CMC joint;
*** Ulnar nerve injury
*** 5th metacarpal base fx (typically require sx)
 
==Source==
UpToDate
 
[[Category:Ortho]]

Revision as of 01:13, 24 July 2017