title: Metacarpal fractures in the athlete.
abstract: To describe current evaluation and treatment of metacarpal fractures in athletes RECENT FINDINGS: Biomechanical and clinical studies involving lower-profile, locking, shorter length, and double-row or separate-dual plate configurations, as well as intramedullary screw fixation, have demonstrated the potential benefits of internal fixation with promising results. Treatment should be customized to the specific athlete and injury, and is often successful without surgery, or with percutaneous pin fixation. Internal fixation of metacarpal fractures has improved with new hardware and new techniques, and may expedite return to play, although further clinical studies are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA. maximillian.soong@lahey.org.
authors.forename: Maximillian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soong
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA.
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chase
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: George Kasparyan
keywords: Athlete; Metacarpal fracture