Boxers Fracture
A Boxers fracture is a break to either the 4th or the 5th Metacarpal of the hand. The metacarpals are the long bones between the wrist and the fingers. The 4th and 5th metacarpals are the ones towards the outside of the hand, which form joints with the ring and little fingers.
Symptoms of a Boxers Fracture
- Instant pain in the hand.
- Swelling in the hand.
- Tender to touch the hand.
- Pain on trying to move the hand or last 2 fingers.
- Some bruising may develop.
Causes
Fractures to these two bones are known as boxers fractures due to the most common cause of injury being a punch! The stress through the bone causes a break in the weakest area, which is the neck of the bone, just below the knuckle.
Treatment
- Seek medical attention if you suspect the hand is broken.
- An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis.
- If the bone is aligned still then it may just be immobilised in a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal.
- Most boxers fractures heal well without any further problems.
- If the bone is mis-aligned, it may need to be set and held in place with pins, which requires surgery.
