What is the name of the fracture of the neck of the fourth or fifth metacarpal, commonly seen when hitting something with a clenched fist?

The fracture of the neck of the fourth or fifth metacarpal that commonly occurs when a person strikes an object with a clenched fist is referred to as a Boxer's fracture. This type of injury is typically associated with trauma to the hand, particularly from punching, which causes the metacarpals to break at the location of their neck, just proximal to the head.

The characteristic mechanism of injury for a Boxer's fracture involves the impact force transmitted through a closed fist, leading to a fracture that is often seen in individuals involved in contact sports or those who engage in physical altercations. It's important to recognize that radiographically, the fracture often appears at an angle and can be associated with swelling and pain in the affected area.

The other fractures mentioned — Colles, Smith, and Hangman's fractures — refer to different types of injuries with distinct mechanisms and anatomical locations. Colles fractures are typically found in the distal radius and result from falling onto an outstretched hand. Smith fractures are also of the distal radius but occur with a different deformity, often from falling onto a flexed wrist. Hangman's fractures involve the cervical spine and are associated with hyperextension trauma. None of these injuries share the specific characteristics or mechanism associated with the