Fracture of the Neck of the Fifth Metacarpal Bone—Is Over-Treatment Justified?

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Abstract
SOME YEARS AGO, the senior author had an opportunity to witness an attempt at closed reduction of a 40° volar angulation in a fracture involving the neck of a fifth metacarpal bone. The patient sought treatment 8 days after injury, not because of pain, but because of persistent swelling. Despite the combined efforts of 2 residents and with the aid of general anaesthesia, no change in the alignment of the fracture fragments could be produced. The patient was instructed in active exercises and within 2 weeks returned to heavy work completely symptom free. Since that day, the lesson learned has been applied to 28 additional similar fractures with excellent results in every case. This presentation is limited to fractures located at the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone. In our series, the most common cause was a direct blow with the clenched fist against a hard object. The

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