How Do You Treat a Boxer's Fracture?
Are you feeling pain in your hand after punching a hard object with a closed fist? This could indicate a boxer's fracture —a common hand injury that occurs when someone punches a hard object with a closed fist, often affecting the pinkie finger. Such injuries frequently result from 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 involves a break in the fifth metacarpal neck—the bone that connects the pinkie finger to the wrist. This metacarpal bone is one of the five that compose the hand's bony structure and is located near the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, commonly known as the knuckle.
A critical aspect of this fracture is the degree of angulation, which refers to the angle formed between the fractured bone segments. Proper assessment of this angulation is essential, as it influences both the treatment approach and the patient's recovery outcome
Common Symptoms of a boxer’s fracture
Individuals with a boxer's fracture often experience significant pain, swelling, and bruising in the hand and fingers. There may be difficulty moving your hand, limited range of motion in the affected finger, and grip weakness. In some cases, an open fracture may occur, where the bone pierces through the skin, leading to visible deformity.
Early Treatment options for a boxer’s fracture
Treatment typically begins with immobilizing the hand using a splint or cast to support the metacarpal bone as it heals. Applying ice, elevating the hand, and taking oral anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling. In cases where the fracture is misaligned or involves multiple hand fractures, a healthcare provider may need to perform a manual reduction or recommend surgical intervention.
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
Recovery typically involves wearing a splint or cast for 3-6 weeks to immobilize the bone of the hand. During this period, it's important to avoid activities that could stress the healing bone. As recovery progresses, patients may engage in hand therapy exercises to restore strength and flexibility, ensuring a return to normal function.
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.