Presentation
Motorcycle accident. Intoxicated polytrauma patient (clinical signs of use of alcohol). Swollen right hand upon physical examination.
Patient Data
Intra-articular comminuted fracture of the base of the thumb metacarpal. This describes a Rolando fracture.
Midshaft fracture of the second metacarpal.
Case Discussion
Rolando fractures are comminuted intra-articular fractures of the thumb metacarpal.
These fractures are usually associated with axial loading with the thumb in partial flexion, such a mechanism of trauma is not uncommon to happen in motorcycle accidents.
Rolando fractures oftentimes demand operative management.
Rolando fractures are classified as Green and O'Brien type II fractures.