Hand Case 9 Background

In 1910 Rolando defined his fracture as a comminuted intra-articular fracture-dislocation of the base of the thumb metacarpal. The fracture pattern is often Y- or T-shaped. A Rolando's fracture differs from a Bennett's fracture (volar lip fracture) by adding a dorsal fragment. Radiographs are important to make this distinction. A Rolando's fracture has a worse prognosis.