The Rolando fracture is really a fracture-dislocation of the base of the first metacarpal. The fracture is intraarticular and comminuted, distinguishing it from the noncomminuted Bennett fracture. There are usually three main fracture fragments.

A	AP radiograph of the first digit. This demonstrates the comminuted intraarticular fracture at the base of the first metacarpal, a Rolando fracture.

Links to online cases:

• Emedicine.com

References:

• Kontakis GM, Katonis PG, Steriopoulos KA: Rolando's fracture treated by closed reduction and external fixation Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1998;117(1-2):84-5.           [See related articles]
• Foster RJ, Hastings H 2d: Treatment of Bennett, Rolando, and vertical intraarticular trapezial fractures Clin Orthop. 1987 Jan;(214):121-9.           [See related articles]