BOXER’S FRACTURES

If you suffer from severe hand pain due to a fracture, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is a Boxer’s Fracture?

Named due to a high occurrence among boxers and martial artists, a boxer’s fracture involves a break of the 5th metacarpal bone in the hand. Patients with conditions such as Osteoporosis have a higher risk of all types of bone fracture, due to decreased bone density.

Boxer fractures commonly result from applying significant force to the hand, such as striking a hard object or improperly landing a punch. This force can fracture the metacarpal bone, typically in the neck region just below the knuckle joint. The term “boxer fracture” stems from its frequent occurrence among individuals who throw closed-fist punches swiftly, such as boxers.

Symptoms Of Boxer’s Fractures

Boxer’s fracture typically results from a direct impact or excessive force applied to the knuckle or hand.

Immediately after a finger fracture, pain is felt at the fracture site, worsening with movement or pressure. Swelling and tenderness occur around the knuckle or back of the hand. The affected finger may appear crooked or misaligned, with a visible indentation or depression at the fracture site. Limited range of motion also may occur duw to pain and swelling, making it difficult to move the finger or grip objects. Bruising develops around the injury site, becoming noticeable hours or days later. These symptoms collectively indicate a finger fracture, necessitating prompt medical evaluation and treatment to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.

Treatment For Boxer’s Fractures

If you suspect a boxer’s fracture, seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

To promote healing of a finger fracture, healthcare providers commonly use immobilization techniques. Some of which include splinting, casting, or buddy taping to stabilize and align the finger. This approach prevents further injury and supports proper bone healing over time. Pain relief involves administering over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications to alleviate discomfort related to the fracture.

If the fracture is displaced or unstable, healthcare professionals may perform closed reduction, manually manipulating the broken bone fragments into their correct alignment. As the fracture heals, rehabilitation becomes essential to restore the finger’s range of motion, strength, and function. Rehabilitation programs typically include tailored exercises and physical therapy sessions.

It’s crucial to attend regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare professional to monitor the healing progress and ensure proper care. In certain instances, the healthcare provider may suggest rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the hand and finger.

In severe cases, where the bones are significantly displaced or unstable, surgical intervention may be necessary. The surgical procedure aims to realign the fractured bones by using wires, pins, or plates to stabilize them during the healing process.

Boxer’s Fractures Recovery

Recovery from boxer’s fractures, fractures of the metacarpal bones in the hand, progresses through several stages aimed at restoring function and strength to the affected hand. Initially, healthcare providers immobilize the fractured bone using splints or casts to stabilize it and promote healing. This phase typically lasts several weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture.

As healing advances, rehabilitation focuses on physical therapy to improve the hand’s range of motion, flexibility, and strength. Therapists prescribe exercises that prevent stiffness and facilitate the restoration of normal hand function.

Throughout the recovery process, managing pain remains crucial. Healthcare providers administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. In severe or unstable fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bone fragments and secure them using pins, screws, or plates.

With consistent adherence to rehabilitation protocols and medical guidance, most individuals can anticipate regaining full hand function and resuming normal activities within a few months after a boxer’s fracture.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Hand and Wrist Specialist in North Texas, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Telemedicine appointments are also available.