title: Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in athletes.
abstract: Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures are common skeletal injuries, accounting for 10% of all fractures. Approximately one-quarter of these injuries occur during athletic events. Although an acceptable and stable reduction remains a key principle in this patient group, early mobilization and return to play may be higher priorities than in other patient populations. Orthopedic implant designs and techniques are evolving to facilitate operative fracture stabilization, improve union rates, and accelerate the postoperative course with early range of motion and return to play. This article discusses common patterns of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures resulting from athletic injuries, and current treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 East Broad Street, West Hospital 9th Floor, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. Electronic address: ilvycotterell@outlook.com.
authors.forename: Ilvy H
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Cotterell
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, 4709 Creekstone Drive, Durham, NC 27703, USA.
authors.forename: Marc J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Richard
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000293:injuries*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function
keywords: Athlete; Hand injuries; Metacarpal fractures; Phalangeal fractures