Bennett's fracture is an intra-articular fracture at the base of the first metacarpal. The deforming force that causes proximal displacement and abduction of the metacarpal shaft is:

• A Extensor pollicis longus
• B Flexor pollicis brevis
• C Opponens pollicis
• D Abductor pollicis longus ✓

Explanation

In Bennett's fracture, the volar-ulnar fragment is held in place by the deep volar beak ligament while the metacarpal shaft is pulled proximally and radially by the abductor pollicis longus (APL) insertion. This creates the characteristic subluxation of the carpometacarpal joint. Treatment is closed reduction (traction, abduction, direct pressure) and percutaneous K-wire fixation to neutralize the APL pull. Rolando's fracture is a Y-shaped comminuted variant with similar deforming mechanics.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.