Understanding and Treating a Boxer's Fracture
Are you experiencing hand pain after an unfortunate incident, such as striking a hard surface with a clenched fist? It could be a boxer's fracture — a common hand injury resulting from various scenarios, including altercations, contact sports, or falls onto an outstretched hand.
In this blog, we'll explore what a boxer's fracture entails and the effective treatments available.
Understanding a Boxer's Fracture
A boxer's fracture is characterized by a fracture of the fifth metacarpal neck, one of the five metacarpals that compose the hand's bony structure. This metacarpal is situated at the base of the small finger, nearest to the MCP "knuckle" joint.
Common Symptoms of a boxer’s fracture
Common signs of a boxer's fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, limited finger range of motion, grip weakness, and visible deformity. The affected knuckle may appear misaligned, and the finger can take on an irregular shape. If these symptoms persist, it's crucial to seek evaluation by a medical professional.
Early Treatment options for a boxer’s fracture
Initial treatment for a boxer's fracture involves several steps, including hand rest, immobilization, ice application, elevation, and oral anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation. Fortunately, most patients do not require expensive medical intervention or surgery for a successful recovery. Simple treatment methods have proven effective in the majority of cases, though some cosmetic differences between the injured and uninjured hands may persist.
Specialized Orthopedic Care
Patients with boxer fractures can benefit from specialized orthopedic care, which may include x-ray evaluation, custom splinting, and hand therapy. While traditional treatment methods have involved closed reduction and casting of fifth metacarpal fractures, recent studies suggest that this approach may not be necessary for patients with mild-to-moderate severity fractures.
Recovery Process after a boxer’s fracture
In most cases, treatment comprises activity modifications and the use of a removable splint for 3-6 weeks. As patients heal, they are guided to increase hand activity within their pain tolerance and undergo a series of range of motion and hand strengthening exercises. Hand therapy can expedite the recovery process, helping patients regain pre-injury hand function within 2-3 months.
Surgical Considerations
Surgery is rarely required for patients with a boxer's fracture. However, in cases of significant angulation at the fracture site or finger malrotation, surgery may be recommended to realign and stabilize the fracture. Potential surgical complications include infection, stiffness, scar tissue formation, and the possibility of additional surgeries, such as implant removal or scar tissue revision.
For personalized care and expert guidance in managing your hand injury, consider scheduling an appointment with our hand specialist at Ortho San Antonio, Dr. Stein. He is here to provide you with the expertise you need to navigate this injury and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you've suffered a hand injury, especially following incidents like striking a hard surface with a clenched fist, understanding the nature of a boxer's fracture and seeking expert guidance is vital for your recovery. The team at Ortho San Antonio is committed to helping you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment with our experienced hand specialist, Dr. Stein, for the personalized care you deserve.