5TH-METACARPAL STRESS-FRACTURE IN A FEMALE SOFTBALL PITCHER

Purpose: This article describes a previously unreported fifth metacarp al stress fracture. Case summary: A female softball pitcher presented with gradual development of dorsal pain in her pitching hand. A radioi sotope scan showed increased uptake in the fifth metacarpal. This supp orted a clinical diagnosis of a stress fracture. and the patient was t reated with a period of relative rest. At 6 weeks, the patient was abl e to return to pitching with technique modification Discussion: Seven cases of metacarpal stress fractures been reported. vet none involved the fifth metacarpal. The causes of a fifth metacarpal stress fracture differ from those of other metacarpals and may be 3. combination of e xtrinsic forces from the ball and intrinsic forces from muscle pull. A lthough treatment involves the standard rest period, technique must be assessed and appropriately adjusted. Relevance: Metacarpal stress fra ctures should be considered in athletes with persistent hand pain wher e repetitive grip function is used.