Abstract

The fifth metacarpal neck fractures or Boxer fracture is the most common injury of upper extremity fracture treated in the emergency department. It usually occurs in young population with aggressive conduct. The majority of them are stable and the conservative treatment is the gold standard while the unstable fractures need operative intervention, but an important hypothetical question is posed. Are all these fractures the same or do they differ? In literature there is not clear classification about the pattern or the type of fifth metacarpal neck fractures. The aim of this study is to present a classification system based on the type of fractures and the most appropriate method of fracture fixation, with the scope to achieve the goal of treatment which is the full range of motion and return to previous functional status.

Keywords: Metacarpal neck fractures; Boxer’s fracture; Classification system; Operative treatment