# Irreducible Metacarpal Neck Fracture due to Interposition of the Extensor Tendons

## TL;DR

A rare case of a metacarpal fracture caused by a tendon getting stuck in the bone break required surgery for proper healing.

## Contribution

Highlights extensor tendon interposition as a rare but important cause of irreducible metacarpal fractures.

## Key findings

- Extensor tendon interposition was identified as the cause of failed closed reduction in a metacarpal neck fracture.
- Surgical intervention successfully extricated the tendon and achieved proper bone alignment.
- The fracture healed well with restored motion and strength after treatment.

## Abstract

A 15-year-old male presented with multiple right-hand fractures, including a severely angulated small finger metacarpal neck fracture. Multiple closed attempts failed, and open reduction was performed. At surgery, the extensor tendon was found to be interposed within the fracture, thereby preventing closed reduction. The tendon was extricated from the fracture site, adequate reduction was obtained, and the fracture was stabilized using K-wires. The fracture united well, with good return of motion and strength. Extensor tendon interposition is a rare scenario associated with metacarpal neck fractures and should be suspected when there is complete loss of contact between the fracture ends and multiple attempts at closed reduction have failed.

Um jovem do sexo masculino com 15 anos de idade apresentou múltiplas fraturas da mão direita, incluindo fratura do colo do quinto metacarpo com grande angulação. As múltiplas tentativas de redução fechada falharam, sendo então realizada a redução aberta. Foi encontrado durante a cirurgia o tendão extensor interposto dentro da fratura, impedindo desta forma a redução fechada. O tendão foi liberado do sítio da fratura, de modo que foi obtida a redução adequada e a fratura foi estabilizada com fios de Kirschner. A fratura foi bem consolidada, com um bom retorno do movimento e da força. A interposição do tendão extensor é um cenário raro associado a fraturas do colo metacárpico, devendo se suspeitar dela quando houver perda completa de contato entre as extremidades da fratura e as várias tentativas de redução fechada falharem.