Contributors: Derek T. Schloemann MD, MPHS, Danielle Wilbur MD
Synopsis
Causes / typical injury mechanism: The Rolando fracture classically represents a Y-shaped intra-articular fracture of the first (thumb) metacarpal base. It arises as a result of an axial load (eg, a fall or a punch) on a flexed first metacarpal.
Classic history and presentation: The patient will typically present with pain at the first metacarpal base with or without associated swelling. The anterior oblique ligament anchors the volar fragment of the first metacarpal base while the first metacarpal shaft undergoes proximal displacement.
Prevalence: As many as 1.4% of all fractures and 21% of metacarpal fractures are Rolando fractures.
- Age – The injury usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
- Sex / gender – It is more common in males.
Related topics:
base of thumb fracture,
thumb fracture
Codes
ICD10CM:
S62.226A – Nondisplaced Rolando's fracture, unspecified hand, initial encounter for closed fracture
S62.226B – Nondisplaced Rolando's fracture, unspecified hand, initial encounter for open fracture
SNOMEDCT:
208404004 – Closed fracture thumb metacarpal base, intra-articular, Rolando
208421008 – Open fracture thumb metacarpal base, intra-articular, Rolando
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Last Reviewed:07/13/2020
Last Updated:09/11/2023
