Displaced boxers' fractures: a simple and effective method of external splintage

Forty patients with fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck (boxers' fractures) having a volar angulation of 30 degrees or more were treated by closed reduction and external immobilisation. A combination of malleable aluminium alloy splint and plaster of Paris cast was used. The results show a significant improvement in fracture angulation after reduction and at follow-up (3/5 weeks) using this form of external splintage. There were no complications. Our results compare favourably with those of other recently published series. We advocate the use of this method of treatment for these fractures with significant volar angulation.