Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025

Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Fifth Metacarpal Fracture in 65-Year-Old Female
Denise R Ramponi1, Patricia K Strobehn
1Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Education & Human Studies, Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Ramponi); Urgent Care Clinics, Convenient Care Clinics, Heritage Valley Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Ramponi); and School of Nursing, Touro University Nevada, Henderson, Nevada (Dr Strobehn).
Abstract:
Metacarpal fractures account for 30% to 40% of all hand fractures. These fractures usually occur in adolescents and young adults. The mechanism of injury is often direct trauma, but can also occur with an axial load or torsional loading (twisting). Fractures of the metacarpals are subdivided into the metacarpal head, neck, shaft, and base. The most common metacarpal fractures involve the neck of the fifth metacarpal, known as the boxer fracture. Fifth metacarpal fractures can involve the head, neck, shaft, or base. This article highlights a patient with a fifth metacarpal fracture near the base with 40 degrees of angulation.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...

