Fractures of the palm involve the bones located between the finger bones and wrist bones. These bones are called metacarpal bones. Occasionally, the metacarpal bone at the base of the thumb fractures, but these fractures are usually considered separately.
Treatment involves a splint and sometimes first putting the broken pieces of bone back in place reduction , depending on the type of fracture. Most fractures result from force applied to a bone. Fractures usually result from injuries or overuse. The injured part hurts especially when it is Metacarpal fractures are often called boxer's fractures because they often result from punching a hard object such as a wall or another person's jaw.
When these fractures result from punching someone in the mouth, the skin may be broken. In such cases, bacteria from the other person's mouth can contaminate the wound and cause infections that, if not treated soon, can permanently affect use of the hand.
The knuckles become swollen and tender in people with metacarpal fractures. Occasionally, the broken pieces of bone are out of place misaligned or rotate so that a finger is out of position. See also Diagnosis of Fractures Diagnosis A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. If people have wounds near the injured joint in their hand, they may have punched someone in the mouth. If they did punch someone in the mouth, doctors may clean out the wound and give them antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Metacarpal fractures are treated with a splint such as an ulnar gutter splint for several weeks. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. If you have a broken hand , you likely have sustained a metacarpal fracture—an injury to the bone at the level of the palm of your hand. 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.
Your orthopedic healthcare provider will probably refer to the injury by the actual name of the bone, as that will more precisely describe the actual injury.
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.
Patients typically notice stiffness of the fingers and pain when trying to form a fist. Symptoms will gradually improve as healing takes place.
Most metacarpal fractures fully heal in about 10 weeks, therefore it's normal to have some stiffness and swelling for that length of time. Metacarpal fractures are generally described by the location of the fracture. 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 can usually be accomplished with the use of a cast.
A cast is usually worn for three to six 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. Getting treatment quickly will help lessen any stiffness or recurring pain. The symptoms of a hand fracture include:. If you delay, the body will naturally try to heal itself. This could cause a decreased range of motion, arthritis, permanent disfigurement, or other painful conditions that impact your ability to use your hands later on.
Your orthopaedic hand specialist will examine your hand and give an initial diagnosis. He or she will ask you how you received the injury. Typically, the doctor confirms the diagnosis with an X-ray or perhaps a CT-scan or MRI to see the underlying bones and tissue. Healing bone is a natural process, so the doctor will focus on making sure to set and immobilize the bone to help it heal and to restore full function to the hand.
Generally, the patient is under anesthetic when this process occurs. At times the fracture may be unstable and the bone requires metal plates and screws or intramedullary nails, wires, or even external fixators to help hold the bone in place as it heals. After the bone is placed in the proper position, the patient may receive a hard cast or a functional brace to ensure that it does not move. Usually, the bone is immobilized anywhere from four to eight weeks when the bone heals. A callus of new bone will form around the fracture to knit the bone back together.
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