Fracture of the Sesamoid Bone of the Thumb: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

JBJS Case Connect. 2019 Jan-Mar;9(1):e10. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.18.00147.

Abstract

Case: Fracture of a sesamoid bone of the thumb is rare. We report a case of such a fracture after hyperextension of the thumb in a 26-year-old woman. After a volar plate injury was excluded, she was treated nonoperatively with 5 weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy.

Conclusion: After reviewing the current literature describing sesamoid fractures of the thumb, we recommend that fracture of the sesamoid of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint should be regarded as an avulsion fracture. The role of surgical intervention should be limited to patients with a painful nonunion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Casts, Surgical
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Sesamoid Bones* / diagnostic imaging
  • Sesamoid Bones* / injuries
  • Thumb* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thumb* / injuries