title: Fractures of the thumb and finger metacarpals in athletes.
abstract: Most metacarpal fractures are minimally displaced and are treated without surgery. Markedly displaced fractures, fractures causing finger rotation, and displaced intra-articular fractures require surgical intervention. The challenge with the elite athlete is achieving an early return to play without compromising fracture position. Casts, splints, and surgery each have a role in getting the athlete back into action as soon as possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8233, St Louis, MO 63108, USA.
authors.forename: Duretti T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Fufa
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Goldfarb
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003657:Decision Making; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013165:Splints; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries*