[Boxer's fracture: Cost evaluation orthopaedic or surgical treatment].
Many methods of treatment have been proposed for fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal ranging from early mobilization to various surgical techniques. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional results and the costs of closed as opposed to open treatment (Foucher's K-Wire technique).


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study on all fractures without rotational deformity and with a palmar angulation less than 40 degrees C. Details of the patients, the fractures, functional results and the cost of management were analyzed.


RESULTS
The functional results were similar between the two groups, but surgical treatment increased the cost of treatment to 1100 euros.


CONCLUSIONS
We advocate the use of closed treatment for these fractures. The functional results are the same as with surgical management, but the costs are much reduced.
Kadlub
N
N
Service de chirurgie plastique, main et maxillofacial, 3, rue Faubourg-Raines, 21000 Dijon, France. natacha.kadlub@wanadoo.fr
Danino
A
A
Trost
O
O
Robe
N
N
Malka
G
G
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001914:Boxing / Q000293:injuries*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome