title: Metacarpal fractures: treatment and complications.
abstract: Metacarpal fractures comprise between 18-44 % of all hand fractures. Non-thumb metacarpals account for around 88 % of all metacarpal fractures, with the fifth finger most commonly involved [19]. The majority of metacarpal fractures are isolated injuries, which are simple, closed, and stable. While many metacarpal fractures do well without surgery, there is a paucity of literature and persistent controversy to guide the treating physician on the best treatment algorithm. The purpose of this article is to review non-thumb metacarpal anatomy and treatment protocols for nonoperative management of stable fractures, and compare existing literature on surgical techniques for treatment of acute fractures and complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, 4245 Roosevelt Way N.E., Box 354740, Seattle, WA 98105 USA ; Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 2927, Durham, NC 27710 USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kollitz
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 665, Rochester, NY 14642 USA.
authors.forename: Warren C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hammert
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, 4245 Roosevelt Way N.E., Box 354740, Seattle, WA 98105 USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Vedder
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, 4245 Roosevelt Way N.E., Box 354740, Seattle, WA 98105 USA.
authors.forename: Jerry I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Huang
keywords: Fractures; Hand; Metacarpals; Trauma