Which fracture is a Y-shaped three-part fracture of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint?

• A. Rolando
• B. Barton's
• C. Chauffeur's
• D. Bennett

Answer: (A)

The contest focuses on fractures of the base of the first metacarpal at the thumb’s carpometacarpal joint. A Rolando fracture is a comminuted intra-articular fracture of that base, classically described as three fragments forming a Y- or T-shaped pattern. This Y-shaped, three-part split reflects the severe axial load with shear forces that cause multiple pieces at the metacarpal base. In contrast, a Bennett fracture is a two-part intra-articular fracture with dislocation of the thumb metacarpal base, Chauffeur’s fracture is a fracture of the scaphoid tubercle, and Barton's fracture involves the distal radius with intra-articular involvement. So the description of a Y-shaped three-part fracture at the thumb CMC joint fits Rolando fracture.