Conservative treatment of finger and metacarpal fractures: a narrative review

Hand (finger and metacarpal) fractures are common in surgical practice, usually affecting adolescents and young adults. Treatment of these injuries is generally conservative, with generally good results. However, since the end of the 20th century, as a result of the offensive of manufacturers of implants, surgical treatment have attracted increasing popularity, although there was no scientific basis for it. Objective of this study was literature review focused on outcomes of conservative treatment of hand (metacarpal and phalangeal) fractures.

Articles from PubMed and Medline databases on the methods and outcomes of conservative treatment of hand fractures published in last 10 years were reviewed.

A total of 10 studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Three were focused on finger fractures, two - on metacarpal shaft fractures and five - on the fifth metacarpal neck fractures. Results of this review have demonstrated that vast majority of finger and metacarpal fractures can be successfully treated conservatively. Conservative treatment is preferably performed with a buddy taping or a splint allowing free mobilization of fingers. Treatment without any immobilization, according to special protocol is also an acceptable and safe option.