MSK: Bennett's Fracture: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Bennett’s Fracture🎧 A high-yield, exam-focused breakdown of this thumb base fracture-dislocation – crucial for MSRA and real-life orthopaedics.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• An intra-articular fracture at the base of the first metacarpal, involving the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint• Often with subluxation or dislocation due to muscle pull – especially the abductor pollicis longus📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Axial force through a partially flexed thumb – e.g. punching or fall on an outstretched hand• Direct trauma, repetitive strain, or sports injuries• History of wrist/thumb injuries or contact sports📌 Pathophysiology• Fracture splits the metacarpal base; a volar fragment remains fixed via the volar oblique ligament• Main fragment is displaced proximally and radially by abductor pollicis longus• Results in joint instability and possible malunion if untreated📌 Symptoms• Pain, swelling, and tenderness at thumb base• Difficulty with grip/pinch• Bruising or visible deformity🧠 Mnemonic: G-POD – Grip ↓, Pain, Obvious swelling, Deformity📌 Differential Diagnosis• Rolando fracture (comminuted, Y/T-shaped)• CMC joint dislocation• Thumb ligament sprain• Scaphoid or metacarpal fractures📌 Diagnosis• X-ray views: AP, oblique, true lateral of the thumb• Look for: – Oblique fracture line – Triangular volar fragment – Proximal displacement of main shaft🧠 Mnemonic: OTP – Oblique, Triangle, Proximal shift• CT scan if complex or multi-fragmented📌 Management• Conservative (if stable): – Thumb spica cast – Repeat imaging + pain control• Surgical (if displaced): – ORIF with K-wires/screws – Immobilisation + physiotherapy• Rehab: – Immobilisation → removable splint – Gradual thumb mobilisation – Hand therapy for grip & dexterity📌 Complications• Osteoarthritis of CMC joint• Reduced thumb movement• Recurrent instability/subluxation• Infection post-op• Dorsal sensory nerve injury🧠 Mnemonic: ORRPD – Osteoarthritis, Reduced ROM, Recurrent subluxation, Post-op infection, Dorsal nerve injury📌 Prognosis• Generally good with early treatment• Risk of poor function if misdiagnosed or untreated• Requires rehab compliance for best outcomes📎 More MSRA Resources for Bennett’s Fracture📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bennetts-fracture-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bennetts-fracture-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bennetts-fracture-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bennetts-fracture-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/bennetts-fracture/🩺 MSK for the MSRA Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/msk-for-the-msra/🔑 Final SummaryDon’t ignore thumb injuries – Bennett’s fractures may seem minor but can seriously impair hand function. Diagnosis hinges on good X-ray technique and high suspicion. OTP mnemonic, early management, and rehab are key to restoring grip and preventing long-term issues.#MSRA #BennettsFracture #ThumbFracture #MSK #MSRARevision #MSRAQuiz #MSRAFlashcards #Orthopaedics #PasstheMSRA #MSRAAccordions #FreeMSRA #MultiSpecialtyRecruitmentAssessment