(Fifth Metacarpal Fracture)
Definition
Definition
Boxer’s fracture is a common name for a fracture of the long bone that connects the little finger to the wrist.
The types of boxer’s fractures are:
- Nondisplaced—the bone is broken, but remains in place
- Displaced—ends of the bone are separated from one another
- Comminuted—the bone is broken into several pieces
Fractures may either be:
- Closed—the fracture does not break the skin
- Open—the fracture breaks through the skin
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Causes
Causes
Boxer’s fracture can be caused by:
- Punching another person or object, such as a wall, with a closed fist
- Falls
- Playing certain sports
- Squeezing or crushing of the hand
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Boxer’s fractures are more common in men. Other factors that may increase your risk of a boxer’s fracture include:
- Being prone to angry outbursts or fighting
- Participating in certain sports, such as boxing or football
- Increased age
- Osteoporosis
- Certain diseases or conditions that result in bone or mineral loss, such as abnormal or absent menstrual cycles, or post- menopause
- Certain diseases and conditions that weaken bones, such as tumors or cysts
- Decreased muscle mass
- Exposure to violence
Symptoms
Symptoms
A boxer’s fracture may cause:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Deformity
- Lack of movement
- Depressed knuckle
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The injured finger will be examined.
Images may be taken of your hand. This can be done with x-rays.
Treatment
Treatment
Proper treatment can prevent long-term complications or problems with your finger or hand. Treatment will depend on how serious the fracture is, but may include:
Initial Care
Extra support may be needed to protect, support, and keep your finger in proper position while it heals. Supportive steps may include a splint, brace, or cast.
Some fractures cause pieces of bone to separate. These pieces will need to be put back into their proper place. This may be done:
- Without surgery—you will have anesthesia to decrease pain while the pieces are moved back into place
- With surgery—pins, screws, or plates may be needed to reconnect the pieces and hold them in place
Wound care is an important part of your recovery. This is especially true if you punched a wall, or someone in the mouth, which resulted in a break in the skin.
Children’s bones are still growing at an area of the bone called the growth plate. If the fracture affected the growth plate, your child may need to see a specialist. Injuries to the growth plate will need to be monitored to make sure the bone can continue to grow as expected.
Medications
Your doctor may advise:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Prescription pain relievers
- Antibiotics if an infection is present or possible
Check with your doctor before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving your child aspirin.
Depending on your vaccination history, you may need a tetanus or other shots.
Rest and Recovery
Healing time varies by age and your overall health. Children and people in better overall health heal faster. In general, it takes up to 6 weeks for a boxer’s fracture to heal.
You will need to adjust your activities while your finger heals, but complete rest is rarely needed. Ice and elevating the hand at rest may also be advised to help with discomfort and swelling.
As you recover, you may be referred to physical therapy or rehabilitation to start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Do not return to activities or sports until your doctor gives you permission to do so.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of boxer’s fracture, take these steps:
- Do not put yourself at risk for trauma.
- Avoid situations where fights may occur.
- Consider anger management if you have repeated anger outbursts or are prone to fighting.
- Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.
To help reduce falling hazards at work and home, take these steps:
- Clean spills and slippery areas right away.
- Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs, and clutter.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
- Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
- Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
- Walk only in well-lit rooms, stairs, and halls.
- Keep flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.
RESOURCES:
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org
References:
Hand and wrist pain—differential diagnosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 14, 2014. Accessed September 5, 2014.
Hand fractures. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00010
Updated October 2007. Accessed August 5, 2015.
Poolman RW, Goslings JC, et al. Conservative treatment for closed fifth (small finger) metacarpal neck fractures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(3):CD003210.
Last Updated: 9/5/2014