Fracture/Dislocation of 5th Metacarpal --> Malrotation?

Six weeks ago I was involved in a motorcycle accident that fractured and dislocated my 5th metacarpal near the carpals.  4 days after the accident I met with a hand specialist who told me I would need to have the bone pinned in place to ensure it was stationary while the connective tissue healed.

Flash forward 5 weeks.  Cast is removed and pins are pulled.  I have near full range of motion in my pinky but it angles away from my hand rather than in towards it.  

My fear is that the metacarpal was pinned back in place but the rotational alignment wasn't accounted for.  I'm hoping that isn't the case but I was intersted in getting some feedback.  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

This is a common situation post fracture healing especially with displaced fractures. The difference occurs due to the pull of the tendons on the metacarpals and not due to a defect in rotational alignment. To put this in simple words healing is almost never perfect; even though an orthopedician may try his best to fix the bone in perfect position, small discrepancies do occur as the injury heals. Well, if you have no issue otherwise with functioning, I would suggest not to bother about it.
Hope this helps.

Take care!