Hand and Finger Injuries: Metacarpal Fractures.

Metacarpal fractures are common. Many metacarpal fractures without malrotation, particularly fifth metacarpal neck fractures, can be managed nonsurgically. However, intraarticular and extraarticular metacarpal fractures of the thumb are subject to tendon forces and often displace. Patients with such fractures require referral to an orthopedic surgery subspecialist for possible surgical intervention, as do patients with metacarpal fractures that have intraarticular involvement, malrotation, shortening greater than 6 mm, or excessive angulation.