Which test is used to assess Boxer's fracture?

• A. Phalen's Test
• B. Tinel's Sign
• C. Squeeze Test
• D. Lachman Test

Answer: (C)

Boxer's fracture is a fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal, usually from a clenched-fist injury. To check for this injury at the bedside, the Squeeze Test is used because it directly loads the metacarpals in the area where the fracture typically occurs. By applying gentle compression across the metacarpals, you can reproduce pain or tenderness at the region of the fifth metacarpal neck if a fracture is present. A positive sign points you toward a possible Boxer's fracture and prompts imaging (usually an X-ray) for confirmation and appropriate management.

The other tests target different conditions: Phalen's test and Tinel's sign are for carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve irritation in the wrist, while the Lachman test assesses the knee's ACL integrity. They don’t evaluate injuries to the hand metacarpals, so they aren’t used to diagnose Boxer's fracture.