[Evaluation of functional results in conservatively treated boxer's fractures].

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dorsal angulations up to 30 degrees on the grip strength in conservatively treated boxer's fractures. The grip strength of 18 patients was evaluated with the Jamar dynamometer following conservative treatment for neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal. All the patients were males with a mean age of 30.5 years. The results were compared with those of intact hands and a control group of 18 subjects (mean age 31.2 years). The mean follow-up period was 20 months (range 4 to 48 months). The mean dorsal angulations before and after closed reduction were 46 degrees (range 35 degrees -55 degrees ) and 28 degrees (range 10 degrees -30 degrees ), respectively. Compared to the grip strength of intact hands and controls, no statistically significant functional loss was found in conservatively treated hands (p>0.05). Since no significant functional loss occurs in the fifth metacarpal neck fractures having an angulation less than 30 degrees, the appropriate treatment seems to be conservative whenever this range of reduction is likely to be achieved.