Abstract
Introduction and Aims: The ‘Boxer’s fracture’ is a common injury. Often these fractures are treated conservatively with acceptable functional results, leaving the patient with a residual deformity. A minimally invasive technique of treating these fractures was investigated.
Method: Twenty-three consecutive patients with a fractured neck of the fifth metacarpal with a volar angulation exceeding 40 degrees were offered treatment with a prograde intramedullary K-wire. All 23 patients accepted this treatment with informed consent. A 1.6 mm pre-bent K-wire was inserted via the base of the fifth metacarpal in each case. Time to regaining full function, time to union and final functional and radiological outcome were looked at.
Results: All 23 patients went on to full clinical and radiological union within six weeks. In 18 patients the reduction was anatomical with no residual angulation. In five, the residual angulation ranged from five to 15 degrees with an average of eight degrees. Two patients suffered a transient sensory neuropraxia.
Conclusion: The presented technique is a simple, cost-effective and reliable method of treating a ‘Boxer’s fracture’. Although this type of injury can often be treated without surgery, this procedure ensures a rapid return to full function with little or no residual deformity.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
