Subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone

The incidence of upper extremity fractures was 8.8 per 1,000 inhabitants per year. Five per cent of these fractures occurred in the subcapital region of the fifth metacarpal bone. In a patient series the volar angulation after subcapital fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone was determined with a novel technique and related to functional and cosmetic outcome. In spite of volar angulation, the patients' discomfort was minor. An absolute volar angulation exceeding 30 degrees requires reduction, however.