Abstract

Background: There are many methods for evaluating a traumatized metacarp. Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the accuracy of the metacarpal compression test for the diagnosis of metacarpal fracture. Methods: All patients with metacarpal trauma were tested via placement of axial load (compression) on the metacarpal; induction or exacerbation of pain on each metacarp was recorded upon applying axial pressure. Then, an X-Ray imaging system was used to identify and record the presence of fracture. All data were entered into a 2x2 table, and then negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity and specificity of the test were calculated. Results: After careful physical examination and application of the axial pressure on the metacarpal bone, 16(23.68) patients did not experience any pain during axial loading (none had fracture). According to the statistical analyses of the data, the proposed method had a 69 specificity, 100 sensitivity, 86 PPV and 100 NPV. Conclusion: Our findings showed that axial loading applied on the metacarpal bone, when it leads to pain, is a good marker for fracture. On the other hand, patients with negative test results had no fracture on radiography, which emphasized 100 NPV of the test.