A comminuted intra-articular fracture through the base of the first metacarpal (base of the thumb) is known as which fracture?

A comminuted intra-articular fracture through the base of the first metacarpal (base of the thumb) is known as which fracture?

• A. Bennett Fracture
• B. Colles Fracture
• C. Scaphoid Fracture
• D. Rolondos Fracture

Answer: (D)

A comminuted intra-articular fracture through the base of the first metacarpal is called a Rolando fracture. It involves multiple fracture fragments at the base that extend into the articular surface, often described as a Y- or comet-shaped pattern. This makes the fracture highly unstable and usually requires surgical stabilization to reconstruct the articular congruity and prevent collapse or arthritis. Understanding the contrast helps: Bennett fractures are also at the base of the first metacarpal and involve the intra-articular surface, but they’re a single fragment with dorsal subluxation of the metacarpal, not a comminuted base. Colles fractures involve the distal radius, not the thumb base, and scaphoid fractures involve the scaphoid bone in the wrist.

A comminuted intra-articular fracture through the base of the first metacarpal is called a Rolando fracture. It involves multiple fracture fragments at the base that extend into the articular surface, often described as a Y- or comet-shaped pattern. This makes the fracture highly unstable and usually requires surgical stabilization to reconstruct the articular congruity and prevent collapse or arthritis.

Understanding the contrast helps: Bennett fractures are also at the base of the first metacarpal and involve the intra-articular surface, but they’re a single fragment with dorsal subluxation of the metacarpal, not a comminuted base. Colles fractures involve the distal radius, not the thumb base, and scaphoid fractures involve the scaphoid bone in the wrist.