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Treatment

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

It is probably best to reduce the fracture although if untreated, the inevitable mal-union does not usually appear to impair function excessively.

Closed reduction by cast pressure may be tried initially. The injured metacarpal is held abducted and extended - usually by flexing the metacarpophalangeal joint. The adequacy of the reduction should be assessed by x-ray and the decision taken as to whether to continue - for 4 weeks - or fix internally.

Internal fixation is the preferred means of reduction - using a small percutaneous pin or Kirschner wires. A small plaster cast is retained for 3 weeks and then removed along with the internal fixator.

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