Abstract
Purpose: To address the null hypothesis that surgeons shown radiographs of little finger metacarpal neck fractures with measured fracture angulation would recommend surgery as often as surgeons shown unmarked radiographs. Methods: Members of the Science of Variation Group, an international collaboration of fully trained orthopedic and trauma surgeons, were asked to review 20 little finger metacarpal neck fracture cases, which included a vignette and 3 high-quality radiographs. Members were then randomized to review radiographs with or without measured fracture angulation on the lateral view and select operative or nonoperative management. Results: Surgeons shown radiographs with measured angulation were more likely to recommend surgery, and there was less variability among these surgeons, particularly for fractures with less angular deformity. Conclusions: Measured fracture angulation has a small but significant influence on treatment recommendations for little finger metacarpal neck fractures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1722-1727 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Hand Surgery |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2014 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Surgery
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine