title: Outcome of boxer's fractures treated by a soft wrap and buddy taping: a prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ideal treatment for a boxer's fracture remains controversial, particularly the degree of volar dislocation considered acceptable for nonoperative treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  From December 2003 to December 2004, 25 patients who sustained a subcapital metacarpal fracture of the little finger with volar angulation between 30 to 75 degrees were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients were treated with a circular self-adherent wrap covering metacarpal bones II-V and buddy taping of the ring and little fingers for a period of 3 weeks while allowing immediate free range of motion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Final evaluation at a mean of 5 months revealed all patients to be satisfied without subjective functional impairment. All fractures healed, and the angulation of the fracture remained unchanged, but moderate shortening was observed. Active flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint was significantly lower on the fracture side, but as the median degree of MCP flexion was the same, this statistical difference was without clinical relevance. There was no loss in grip strength. A subjective long-term evaluation was performed by phone; at a median of 3 years, a QuickDash score gave a median of 0 point.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treating a boxer's fracture with angulation of up to 75 degrees by soft wrap and buddy taping resulted in satisfied patients and good clinical results.
authors.affiliation: Unité de chirurgie de la main, Hôpital Universitaire de Genève (HUG), 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland. Van_aaken@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van Aaken
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kämpfen
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berli
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fritschy
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Della Santa
authors.forename: Cesare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fusetti
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