Boxer's knuckle - Traumatic disruption of the extensor hood

The unique function of the boxer's hand requires persistent, forceful punch ing in a constantly clenched fist posture, therefore, the metacarpophalange al joints are continually exposed to blunt trauma and highly vulnerable to injury. This injury is traditionally termed boxer's knuckle. Although a myr iad of metacarpophalangeal joint derangement is apt to result from isolated or repetitive blows inflicted and absorbed by the hand, the most serious a nd disabling type of boxer's knuckle is extensor hood disruption. Based on experience with 27 surgical cases, this article describes characteristic ex tensor hood pathology and operative techniques that have afforded a consist ently favorable outcome.