problems to include patients, patients not showing up at check-up

The purpose of this study is to find out the best treatment for subcapital and shaft fractures of the 5. metacarpal.

It is a prospective randomized multicenter study. Comparing only fractures dislocated more than 30 degrees.

One group will be operated with intramedullary pins and one group will be treated conservatively with reduction and then Plaster of Paris for 3 weeks.

All patients will be followed up after 3, 6 and 12 months.

See above

Inclusion Criteria:

• voluntarily, only isolated subcapital og shaft fracture of the 5. metacarpal,operated/reduction within 10 days of injury,not intoxicated,degree of fracture dislocation minimum 30 degrees measured on the X-ray.

Exclusion Criteria:

• open fractures, fractures of the head of 5. metacarpal/intraarticular fractures, patients who wants to be followed up at Hospitals outside the study area, earlier injury of the hand that might have influence on function.