IS case 450: Boxer's fracture

Gurpreet Dhillon, MD

University of Rochester

Imaging Sciences URMC 2010
Publication Date: 2010-08-30

History

Patient is a 21-year-old female who punched a wall.

Findings

Radiographic image of the right hand demonstrated a fracture at the fifth metacarpal neck.

Diagnosis

Boxer's fracture

Discussion

A Boxer's fracture is a fracture of the metacarpal neck with volar angulation of the distal fragment. It can occur in any of the metacarpals, but it is most often seen in the fifth metacarpal. It is usually caused by the impact of a clenched fist with a hard, immovable object. The fracture deformity is often best seen on oblique projection. It is important to determine the extent of fracture as there is often comminution, which may predispose to angular deformation upon healing. Treatment usually involves placement of a splint.

References

  1. Greenspan A. Orthopedic Imaging: A Practical Approach, 4th ed. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2004: 207.

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