A review of current management of metacarpal base fractures

Metacarpal (MCP) base fractures are less commonly encountered than diaphyseal or metacarpal neck fractures. These are difficult injuries to diagnose and are challenging to treat. Neglect of these injuries, either by missed diagnosis or by inadequate treatment, causes significant disability due a poorly functioning carpo-metacarpal joint. There have been several developments in the management of these injuries, from arthroscopically assisted fixation to bio-absorbable implants. There have been advances in technology used for internal fixation implants and also materials used for arthroplasty in cases of eventual joint degeneration. Here we aim to present significant advances in management of metacarpal base fractures.