IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

5th metacarpal fracture and "bone anchor"

Case contributed by Andrew Dixon
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Hand pain post trauma. Unknown mechanism of injury.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

Transverse fracture of the 5th metacarpal shaft with slight volar angulation. The patient is wearing a bracelet with an anchor shaped pendant. 

Case Discussion

Reasonably typical appearance of a 5th metacarpal fracture which usually occur as the result of punching an object or person. This x-ray is cute for the presence of an anchor projected over the bone which one might jokingly refer to as a "bone anchor". Clearly this one does not represent a surgical bone anchor used to fixate ligaments or tendons but instead is just a fashion accessory that the radiographer chose not to remove prior to imaging. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.