Metacarpal Fracture - Treatment for a Broken Hand. If you have a . You have five metacarpal bones, one for each of your fingers. The metacarpal bones support the hand, and the end of the metacarpal bone forms the knuckle on the back of your hand. Other bones in the area include the phalanges (the fingers) and the carpal bones (the wrist). Some people may refer to a hand fracture as an injury to one of these other bones, but they may also be called finger or wrist fractures. That's why your orthopedic doctor will probably refer to the injury by the actual name of the bone, as that will more precisely describe the actual injury. Causes of a Metacarpal Fracture. Metacarpal fractures can occur with a variety of injuries, including: fallssports injuriesfist fights or punchescar accidents. Signs of a Metacarpal Fracture. ![]() ![]() Typical symptoms of a metacarpal fracture include pain and swelling of the hand. While bruising may not be seen immediately, there is usually bruising that develops within a few days of the injury. Fractures in the center of the bone are called metacarpal shaft fractures. Fractures by the base of the finger at the knuckle are called metacarpal head fractures. Lastly, fractures at the wrist- end of the bone are called fractures of the base of the metacarpal. The location of the actual fracture is also important in determining the best treatment for the injury. ![]() ![]() Treatment of a Metacarpal Fracture. Treatment of a metacarpal fracture can usually be accomplished with the use of a cast. A cast is usually worn for about 6 weeks, followed by gentle motion exercises. Occasionally, if stiffness becomes a problem after cast treatment, a hand therapist will be recommended to work with you. There are a few situations where surgery may be recommended. If there are multiple fractures, or open fractures of the hand, surgery may be recommended. In the setting of an isolated metacarpal fracture, your doctor will assess two factors to determine if surgery is necessary: Length. Your doctor will determine if the finger is shortened because of the fracture. If it is, your doctor may recommend surgery to restore normal length of the finger. Rotation. If the finger is rotated, your doctor may recommend that this deformity gets corrected. Rotation can be assessed by making a fist. If the fingers cross over each other, there is likely a rotational deformity. If surgery is needed, your doctor may fix the broken bone with pins, plates or screws. Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods. Metacarpal fractures usually occur after a fistfight. Fracture of the base of the 5th metacarpal. My technique for applying a Boxer cast for treatment of fracture of distal 5th metacarpal. Anyone who has symptoms of a fifth metatarsal fracture should see a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible for. This article reviews metacarpal fractures and. Fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck are among the. Three cast techniques for the. Update on the Treatment of Metacarpal Fractures. The type of fixation depends on the specific type of fracture. Fractures located at the head or the base of the metacarpal may also require surgical treatment if the joint surface of the bone is involved in the fracture. In these situations, the movement that occurs at the joint can be altered, and this may lead to the need for surgical treatment. Complications of Treatment. People who have non- surgical treatment of a metacarpal fracture may notice a bump on the back of their hand, even if the fracture is lined up perfectly. Surg., October 2. Three cast techniques for the treatment of extra-articular metacarpal. Brown on 4th metacarpal fracture treatment. Doctor insights on: 4th Metacarpal Fracture Treatment. 5th metacarpal fracture treatment. In fractures of the fifth metacarpal. The cast must only be applied once the initial swelling. Doctor insights on: Metacarpal Fracture Cast Share Share. I ve 5th metacarpal neck fracture but able to move my fingers slightly even with the cast. ![]() Summit Medical Group. What is a boxer? It is a break or crack in the long bone that attaches to the pinky finger (the fifth metacarpal). The break may be just a bend or small crack in the bone, or the bone may break into pieces or shatter. Some fractures may stick out through the skin. The long bones in the hand are called metacarpals. What is the cause? A boxer. A fracture may also be the result of a medical condition that causes weak or brittle bones. What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, bruising, or tenderness on the pinky finger side of the hand that happens right after the injury. Pain when the injured area is touched Pain or swelling that keeps you from using your hand. A bump on the side of the hand. An area of the hand that is cold, pale, or numb. A change in the shape of the hand. How is it diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how the injury happened. Your provider will examine you. Tests may include: X- rays of the hand. CT scan, which uses X- rays and a computer to show detailed pictures of the bones. MRI, which uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show detailed pictures of the bones. How is it treated? The treatment depends on the type of fracture. If you have an open wound with the fracture, you may need treatment to control bleeding or prevent infection. If the broken bone is crooked, your healthcare provider will straighten it. You will be given medicine first so the straightening is less painful. Sometimes surgery is needed to put the bones back into the right position. Your provider may put your hand and forearm in a cast or splint to keep your hand from moving while it heals. If you have a cast, make sure the cast does not get wet. Cover the cast with plastic when you bathe. Avoid scratching the skin around the cast or poking things down between the cast and your skin. This could cause an infection. With treatment, the fracture may take up to 6 weeks to heal. You may need to do special exercises to help your hand get stronger and more flexible. Ask your healthcare provider about this. How can I take care of myself? Follow the full course of treatment your healthcare provider prescribes. Also: To keep swelling down and help relieve pain, your healthcare provider may tell you to: Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the injured area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 2. Keep the hand up on pillows when you sit or lie down. Take pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, you should not take this medicine for more than 1. Ask your healthcare provider: How and when you will hear your test results. How long it will take to recover. What activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities. How to take care of yourself at home What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them. Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. How can I help prevent a boxer? Try to avoid hitting hard objects with your fist. Developed by Relay. Health. Published by Relay. Health. Copyright . All rights reserved.
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