Outcome following conservative treatment of metacarpophalangeal collateral ligament avulsion fractures of the finger

Avulsion fractures of the metacarpophalangeal joints are uncommon and there are few reports on their outcome after conservative treatment. We treated seven such patients with fracture fragment sizes between 10% and 25% of the width of the articular surface on the radiograph by early active mobilisation in neighbour strapping. The outcome of treatment was assessed at a mean follow-up of 57 (range 8-94) months. The mean visual analogue pain score was 0.6 (range 0-2) and the mean visual analogue function score was 9 out of 10 (range 6-10). The mean DASH score was 3.1 (range 0-12.5). All but one patient had normal grip strength and a full range of finger movement. We believe that the majority of avulsion fractures of the metacarpophalangeal joint can be managed successfully without surgery.