Treatment of avulsion fractures of the second metacarpal base with a miniplate and screws

[Avulsion of the extensor carpi radialis longus et brevis tendons with avulsion fracture at the base of the third metacarpal bone : A rare case]

This article presents the case of a traumatic avulsion of the extensor carpi radialis longus et brevis tendons with avulsion fracture at the base of the third metacarpal bone. Surgery as soon as possible is recommended in order to avoid retraction of the tendon.

A Narrative Review on Avulsion Fractures of the Upper and Lower Limbs

Avulsion fractures compromise function and movement at the affected joint. If left untreated, it can lead to deformity, nonunion, malunion, pain, and disability. The purpose of this review was to identify and describe the epidemiology and available treatment options for common avulsion fractures of the upper and lower extremities. Current evidence suggests that optimal treatment is dependent on the severity of the fracture. Conservative efforts generally include casting or splinting with a period of immobilization. Surgery is typically indicated for more severe cases or if nonoperative treatments fail; patient demographics or preferences and surgeon experience may also play a role in decision making. Some avulsion fractures can be surgically managed with any one of various techniques, each with their own pros and cons, and often there is no clear consensus on choosing one technique over another; however, there is some research suggesting that screw fixation, when possible, may offer the best stability and compression at the fracture site and earlier mobilization and return to function. Physicians should be mindful of the potential complications associated with each intervention.

[Bony avulsion of the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon from the base of the second metacarpal: A rare injury]

We report on a 19-year-old male patient with a rare injury: a basis fracture of the second metacarpal with avulsion of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon. The patient was treated with open reduction and internal plate fixation of the fragment. The functional results after 10 months of follow-up were pronation/supination 90/0/90° (90/0/90°), extension/flexion 70/0/70° (70/0/70°) radial/ulnar duction 20/0/40° (25/0/40°), bilateral grip strength was 115 kPa. The patient suffered no pain at all. The Mayo wrist score reached 100 points. Radiologically, the fracture was consolidated.Consistent diagnostics and surgical therapy lead to functional and radiological recovery following fracture of the second metacarpal base with avulsion of the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon.