Fifth metacarpal shaft

What does "Fifth metacarpal shaft" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

The term "Fifth metacarpal shaft" refers to a specific part of the hand. The metacarpals are the long bones in the hand that connect the fingers to the wrist. There are five metacarpals, each corresponding to a finger. The "fifth metacarpal" is the one that connects the little finger to the wrist. The "shaft" of the metacarpal is the long, straight part of the bone. So, the "fifth metacarpal shaft" is the main, long part of the bone that connects the little finger to the wrist.

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