Bennett’s Fracture
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. When auto accidents occur, there are small bones in the hand and wrist that have the potential to be injured. One of these is called Bennett’s fracture.
What is Bennett’s Fracture?
This hand fracture is a break at the base of the first metacarpal. The fracture can reach all the way to the carpometacarpal joint. Among thumb fractures, this is the most common and is typically accompanied by some subluxation of the joint itself.
Mechanism of Injury
There are several ways this bone fracture can occur. The most common mechanism of injury involves punching a hard object, such as a wall, while the thumb is flexed to some extent. It is also possible for someone to break this bone by falling on an outstretched thumb, leading to a compression fracture. In truck accidents, Bennett’s fracture can occur with a driver holding the steering wheel tightly upon impact.
Treatment of Bennett’s Fracture
After a physical exam, diagnosis of Bennett’s fracture could include x-rays, and a MRI to examine the bones, soft tissue, and nerves in the region. Because these fractures are often small and difficult to see, it is important to obtain as much detail as possible to ensure the fracture isn’t missed. Once diagnosed, the thumb is immobilized in a spica cast for between four and six weeks.
Complications May Result
There are several different complications and comorbidities that can occur with Bennett’s fracture; however, the most common is from a missed diagnosis. If the diagnosis is delayed, the injury either will not heal or heal incorrectly. With the accompanying dislocation of a CMC joint, this could mean loss of range of motion of the thumb, severely impacting the utility of the hand.
What Other Structures Might be Damaged?
The most important structure that could be damaged in Bennett’s fracture is called the abductor pollicis longus. This tendon controls the motion of the thumb and could be torn or damaged in Bennett’s fracture. Without this tendon, the patient could lose a significant amount of mobility in their thumb.
Differential Diagnosis
This differential diagnosis for Bennett’s fracture includes:
- Rolando fracture
- Boxer’s Fracture
- Gamekeeper’s Thumb
- Navicular Fracture
- Lunate Dislocation
The Overall Prognosis
The prognosis of every fracture is handled on a case by case basis and will be dependent on how large the fracture is and the status of the joint. Many patients develop early posttraumatic osteoarthritis at the base of their thumb following this type of injury.
Surgery Might be Necessary
While not every patient will require surgery for Bennett’s fracture, any damage to the surrounding structures (such as the APL tendon) or an inability to set the bones using a closed reduction will require surgery.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m an experienced Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. If you have been injured by the negligence of someone else please call me in Sacramento at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice. Elsewhere, reach me free of charge by calling (800) 404-5400.
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