Your doctor may also recommend pain relieving medications if necessary to reduce pain. Less severe cases involve the use of splint, brace, or cast for four or more weeks to limit movement. Treatment may vary depending upon the severity of the fractures. Test includes range of motion tests and x-rays. Deformity of the broken bone also may be noted.ĭiagnosis of boxer’s fracture is done by reviewing your medical history and performing a through physical examination of your injured finger. The symptoms of boxer’s fracture include pain at the time of injury, swelling, lack of movement, and numbness in the swollen area. 2006 73(5):827-834.Boxer’s fracture is the common name for a fracture of the metacarpal bone that is present at the base of the small finger and connects the little finger to the wrist.īoxer’s fracture is usually caused by punching another person or object, such as a wall, with a closed fist, indirect stress to the hand such as squeezing, crushing or playing certain sports. Fractures, Dislocations, and Thumb Injuries. The non-operative management of hand fractures. Often, in contact sports, a padded removable hand splint is used to protect the injury if it does not interfere with activity, and is allowable.ĪMSSM Member Authors Sarah Kinsella, MD and Margot Putukian, MD Return to Play Athletes can return to sports once they are pain-free with normal hand and finger movement, and have x-ray evidence of fracture healing. These athletes also routinely wrap their hands or use boxing gloves to protect themselves from injury when training. Injury Prevention The most important way to prevent a boxer’s fracture in combat athletes is to learn proper punching technique, so initial contact is not with the fourth and fifth knuckles. In addition, a surgeon may need to be consulted if the fracture is severely bent Antibiotics are often prescribed to decrease the risk of infection. If there is a cut or break in the skin at the time of the injury, the fracture is considered high-risk for infection. Most fractures will only require immobilization in a cast or splint for 3-6 weeks. Medications can also help with pain and swelling. Sports Medicine Treatment Initial treatment with ice and elevation of the hand can lessen the swelling. X-rays may be obtained to diagnose the broken bone and determine treatment. He will also assess fingerĪnd hand sensation, along with movement, which may be decreased. Sports Medicine Evaluation A sports medicine specialist will obtain a history and carefully examine the injured hand for deformity, tenderness, swelling, and discoloration. His knuckle may also look different or flat if the break was severe. He will likely have pain around the fracture site, along with swelling, bruising, or discoloration. Symptoms A patient with a boxer’s fracture may hear a crack or pop at the time of injury. Most breaks are in the neck, or top, of the metacarpal bone near the knuckle. This type of fracture most commonly occurs when a person punches a hard object with a closed fist, thus the name “boxer’s fracture.” The fifth metacarpal, or “pinky finger,” is most commonly injured, followed by the fourth, or ring finger. These bones connect the finger bones to the wrist bones and help form the knuckles. What is it? A “boxer’s fracture” is a break (fracture) in one of the metacarpal bones of the hand.
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