There is considerable controversy over the point at which boxer's fractures need to be reduced. This study characterizes the features of fractures that prompted reduction. A retrospective review of 57 consecutive patients with 57 boxer's fractures presenting to the emergency room was carried out. Forty percent of the fractures were reduced. With reduction, the average angulation on lateral radiographs improved from 40.5° to 31.6°. The improvement of angulation, after reduction, was statistically significant (P<0.005). After an average of 17 days follow-up period the angulation was 35.2°. There was no significant loss of reduction shown between the post reduction and follow-up radiographs (P>0.1).
