title: The Boxer's Fracture: Splint Immobilization Is Not Necessary.
abstract: Fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck, or boxer's fractures, are common, particularly among young men. Because of the high frequency of this injury, there is a considerable range of treatment options. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine whether reduction and splint or cast immobilization is necessary for fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck. The authors conducted a systematic review of all published studies that randomized these fractures to cast immobilization vs treatment with soft wrap without reduction. Cast immobilization is not superior to soft wrap without reduction in most cases. The study found that reduction and cast immobilization is not necessary for boxer's fractures. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):188-192.].
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kusnezov
authors.forename: Justin D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Orr
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pallis
authors.forename: Justin S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D013165:Splints; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures