What is a fifth metacarpal fracture?
The metacarpals are the long bones in the hand. The fifth
metacarpal is the bone in the hand that attaches to the pinky
finger. A fracture is a break in the bone.
How does it occur?
A fifth metacarpal fracture usually occurs from hitting a hard
object with your fist. That is why it is also called a boxer's
fracture. It can also occur from falling onto your hand.
What are the symptoms?
Pain, swelling, and tenderness on the pinky finger side of the
hand. There may be a bump on the side of your hand or it may look
crooked.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, ask you how
you got the injury, and examine you. Your provider will take an
X-ray of your hand, which will show the break.
How is it treated?
If the broken bone is crooked your provider will straighten it.
Then a cast or splint will be placed from your hand to your
forearm. You will wear this cast or splint for 4 to 6 weeks. Some
fractures need surgery
Treatment will also include:
- Elevating your hand by placing it on a pillow when you sleep
or the back of a couch when you are sitting down.
- Putting an ice bag over the cast or splint for 20 to 30
minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 2 to 3 days.
- Taking anti-inflammatory medicine or other medicine prescribed
by your provider.
How long will the effects last?
Fifth metacarpal fractures usually heal within 6 weeks. Ask your
healthcare provider when you will be able to return to your normal
activities.
When can I return to my normal activities?
Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to
your activities will be determined by how soon your hand recovers,
not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has
occurred. The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your
normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too
soon you may worsen your injury. You may start rehabilitation
exercises when your provider has taken a follow-up X-ray sees that
your fracture has healed.
You may return to your normal activities when your hand has full
range of motion without pain and has the same strength as the
uninjured side.
How can I prevent a fifth metacarpal fracture?
Since most fifth metacarpal fractures happen because of hitting
hard objects with your fist...don't hit things!
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.