Bennett Fracture/Dislocation

Description

Bennett’s fracture is a broken bone at the base of the thumb metacarpal at the wrist. The metacarpal bones connect the wrist to the fingers and make up the arch of the hand. Fracture of the metacarpal to the thumb, the first metacarpal, occurs at the wrist and involves the joint between the metacarpal and the wrist bones. A muscle and tendon attach to the shaft, the long portion of the metacarpal, causing it to separate (displace) from the smaller bone fragment, keeping the broken bone ends apart.

Frequent signs and symptoms

• Severe pain at the time of injury

• Pain, tenderness, and swelling, especially at the base of the thumb and the back of the hand, and later bruising of the hand

• Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and the bone fragments are separated enough

• Pain, weakness, and inability to grip or hold objects

• Numbness or paralysis from swelling in the hand, causing pressure on the blood vessels or nerves (uncommon)

Causes

A Bennett fracture/dislocation usually results from a direct blow, such as a striking blow with the fist, although uncommonly it may be due to indirect stress to the hand such as twisting or a violent muscle contraction.

Factors that increase risk

• Participation in contact sports such as football, rugby, or soccer

• Sports that require hitting (boxing and martial arts)

• History of bone or joint disease, including osteoporosis

Preventive measures

• Appropriate conditioning should include cardiovascular fitness and strength, flexibility, and endurance training.

• For participation contact sports, appropriate protective equipment should be fit for the hand.

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