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METACARPAL FRACTURE OF FINGERS
Salient Features
• The normal neck shaft angle in the metacarpal is
15º.
• A typical apex dorsal angulation is seen in
transverse metacarpal neck and shaft fractures.
• This angulation is compensated clinically by a
hyperextension deformity.
Fig. 16.19: Gamekeeper’s thumb . Deformity and pin point compound (Clinical photo)
205 Hand Injuries
Methods: The hand can be immobilized by:
• Burk halter splint: This is ideal and is known to
give good splints.
• Compression glove for 2 weeks.
• Hand-based cast is also effective and permits the
patient to return to the work early.
Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation
This is indicated for fractures that are unstable after
reduction and for base fractures. This is mainly used
for extra-articular fractures but can also be used for
intra-articular fractures that are stable with K-wire
fixation alone after reduction