ARE LATERAL X-RAYS USEFUL IN THE TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF THE 4TH-METACARPAL AND 5TH-METACARPAL

During initial and follow-up evaluation of fractures of the fourth or fifth metacarpal, X-rays in PA and oblique pronated views are taken. R outine straight lateral X-rays are also often made in the expectation that they will reveal additional information. The additional value was evaluated of 408 lateral X-rays taken of fourth and fifth metacarpal fractures in 160 conservatively treated patients. No clinically releva nt information would have been missed if lateral X-rays had been made selectively. Routine X-rays during treatment of these fractures should initially be limited to PA and oblique pronated views. Only after con firmation of a proximal comminuted fracture or signs of a pronounced a nteroposterior dislocation, is an additional lateral X-ray indicated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.