Give a Hand
When a fall or crushing blow causes hand trauma, the injury can result in a fracture. Decipher these emergency radiographs to determine what needs attention.
Match the diagnosis to the photo by letter
a. Proximal fifth phalanx
b. Distal fourth metacarpal head
c. Scaphoid bone
d. Styloid process of the radius
For answers, see next issue; for discussion, go to www.mdedge.com/clinicianreviews/articles/picture
4. A trauma patient arrives in your facility after a motor vehicle collision. His right hand and wrist appear to be moderately swollen, and he has been placed in a splint.
Diagnosis: The radiograph shows a slightly displaced fracture of the distal fourth metacarpal head. No other injuries are present.
,The patient’s hand was left in the splint, and orthopedic evaluation was obtained.
For more information, see “Secondary Survey of Trauma Patient.” Clinician Reviews. 2015;25(12):10,35.
