Fracture of the fifth metacarpal neck:

C. Is called a “boxer's fracture.”

DISCUSSION: Fifth metacarpal neck fracture is a common injury. It is termed boxer's fracture because the mechanism of injury is often that of hitting the fist against a firm object. This fracture does not need to be reduced anatomically and usually does not require open reduction and internal fixation. The relative mobility of the fifth metacarpal (as compared with the relative lack of mobility at the index and long fingers) allows excellent function despite dorsal angulation of 30 degrees.