boxers fracture

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck

Question 2

what causes it?

Answer 2

usually caused by a clenched fist striking a hard object

Question 3

what are the symptoms?

Answer 3

dorsal hand pain
swelling
possible deformity

Question 4

what are the signs?

Answer 4

minimal displacement
no rotation
distal part of the fracture is displaced anteriorly, producing a shortening of affected finger
neurovascular exam

Question 5

what investigations are used?

Answer 5

x-ray -> AP, lateral, oblique