Bennett fracture
A Bennett fracture is a fracture of the base of the thumb resulting from forced abduction of the first metacarpal. It is defined as an intra-articular two-part fracture of the base of the first metacarpal bone.
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
- two piece fracture of the base of the thumb metacarpal
- intra-articular extension
- dorsolateral displacement
- small fragment of 1st metacarpal, attached to anterior oblique ligament, continues to articulate with trapezium
- lateral retraction of the first metacarpal shaft by abductor pollicis longus
When an intra-articular fracture of the first metacarpal is comminuted, producing at least three parts, it is referred to as a Rolando fracture which has a worse prognosis.
Treatment and prognosis
Non-operative treatment in a thumb spica cast for 3-4 weeks can be considered in stable, non-displaced fractures.
Operative treatment is recommended for unstable fracture patterns and intra-articular displacement of >1 mm. While open reduction and internal fixation with a screw or K-wire are both common practice, screws are often preferred as K-wires must be removed after union.
The treatment algorithm is also influenced by the age and profession/hobbies of the patient.
Complications
Untreated or malreduced fractures can lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which can cause significant pain and functional decline.
History and etymology
It is named after Edward Hallaran Bennett (1837-1907), a surgeon from Dublin, Ireland.
Differential diagnosis
- epibasal (pseudo-Bennett) fracture: extra-articular fractures through the first metacarpal base
- Rolando fracture: comminuted intra-articular fracture through the first metacarpal base
Siehe auch:
- Winterstein-Fraktur
- Frakturen der Metakarpalia
- Frakturen mit Eigennamen
- Rolando-Fraktur
- Skidaumen
- Daumenfrakturen
und weiter:
Assoziationen und Differentialdiagnosen zu Bennett-Fraktur:
