M7) Hand pain after punching a refrigerator

Review the Learning Outcomes, Hx, PE and Labs, and begin the module with your Provisional Diagnosis. Keep hitting "Next" to move through the module.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Articulate your relationship with the consulting diagnostic radiologists in the evaluation of a patient with hand pain.
  2. Review the DDx considerations in hand pain.
  3. Identify the spectrum of imaging findings in appropriate modalities for evaluating patients with hand pain.

History

Physical Exam

Labs

Provisional Diagnosis

Select the Dx you believe is most appropriate
The patient likely has a boxer’s Fracture considering the presentation (localized pain on the dorsum of the 5th metacarpal following trauma to his clenched fist) and physical exam (5th metacarpal neck is tender, ecchymosis, and angulation is seen leading to loss of normal knuckle contour)
Well done. You were correct

Potential Acuity

What is your assessment of the likely acuity for this patient?

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While this patient’s condition is not immediately life or limb threatening, they require expedited workup.

First Imaging Study

What is the first imaging study you will order?

Radiography of the hand is an inexpensive initial imaging modality that is often sufficient to diagnose and characterize fractures.
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Pertinent Imaging Observations

Click on the links below to view images from the study, and assess these key findings as best you can.

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Second Imaging Study

What is the next imaging study you will order?

No further imaging is needed since the diagnosis is confirmed with clinical examination and radiography.
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What is your Diagnosis now that you have seen the imaging results?

The patient has a boxer’s fracture secondary to a traumatic incident (punching the refrigerator with a closed fist). Imaging confirms the provisional diagnosis.

Current Acuity

Initially, you selected and we suggested acuity.

Has your concern for this patient changed?

While this patient’s condition is not immediately life or limb threatening, they require expedited workup.

Assessment and Plan

Please provide your assessment and plan for this patient

The patient is a 35-year-old man presenting with hand pain after punching a refrigerator with a closed fist. Radiography confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a boxer’s fracture. Considering that the fracture is closed, non-comminuted, and without significant angulation, the patient may undergo conservative management with fracture immobilization using an ulnar gutter splint. The patient should also be provided with information for a home program to regain their range of motion.

Lessons Learned:
- A boxer’s fracture is a 5th metacarpal neck fracture that is more commonly seen in men and accounts for approximately 10% of all hand fractures.
- It presents clinically with pain on the dorsum of the 5th metacarpal along with ecchymosis, swelling, and potential angulation of the fracture apex.
- Radiography is the initial imaging test sufficient to establish the diagnosis and determine degree of displacement.
- Splinting is the standard of care for patients with this diagnosis. Surgical intervention is typically indicated during cases of open metacarpal neck fractures, fractures resulting in neurovascular abnormalities, comminuted fractures, or angulated fractures.

Socioeconomic Factors:
- Boxer’s fractures most commonly occur in Caucasian males aged 19 to 38 with a lower socioeconomic status.
- Most cases of boxer’s fracture are caused by alcohol, which also contributes to putting off prompt treatment.

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Contributors:
Jay Talati, MS2 - Content Contributor
Eva Merlob - Content Contributor
Kevin Pierre, MD - Editor
Robbie Slater, MD - Supervising Editor
Bayar Batmunh, MS - Coordinator

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