Non-surgical management of metacarpal fractures

Michael W Neumeister; Kelli Webb; Kate McKenna

doi:10.1016/j.cps.2014.03.008

Non-surgical management of metacarpal fractures

Clin Plast Surg. 2014 Jul;41(3):451-61. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2014.03.008.

Authors

Michael W Neumeister¹, Kelli Webb², Kate McKenna²

Affiliations

¹ Institute for Plastic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA. Electronic address: mneumeister@siumed.edu.
² Institute for Plastic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.

PMID: 24996464
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2014.03.008

Abstract

Metacarpal fractures are among the most common fractures of the upper extremity. Surgical management is generally offered for unstable or significantly displaced fractures. A more conservative, nonsurgical approach, however, may provide safe, rapid recovery while maintaining normal active range of motion. This article reviews the nonsurgical approach, protocols, and outcomes of metacarpal fractures.

Keywords: Angulation; Complications; Malunion; Metacarpal fracture; Nonsurgical; Outcomes; Range of motion.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Fracture Healing
Fractures, Bone / therapy*
Humans
Metacarpal Bones / injuries*
Orthopedic Procedures / methods*