Ipsilateral carpal, metacarpal, and ankle fractures resulting from an attempted basketball slam-dunk

Abstract

A 23-year-old male recreational basketball player sus tained an open ankle fracture and ipsilateral carpal and metacarpal fractures as a result of a fall while attempt ing a slam-dunk. The wrist and hand fractures were treated nonoperatively. The open ankle fracture re quired irrigation, debridement, and open reduction/in ternal fixation. In addition to the prerequisite leaping ability, long-term success in "playing above the rim" requires experience, exceptional physical agility, and the mental discipline to anticipate and avoid slam-dunk opportunities with high risk for personal injury.