INJURIES: Hand Fracture, Metacarpal

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

A complete or incomplete break in one of the metacarpal bones-the bones that connect the hand and wrist to the fingers.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

Metacarpal bones of the hand.
Metacarpo-carpal joints and metacarpo-phalangeal joints.
Soft tissue around the fracture site, including nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.

Causes

Direct blow, such as striking a blow with the fist.
Indirect stress to the bone. Indirect stress may be caused by twisting or violent muscle, contraction.

Severe hand pain at the time of injury.
Swelling of soft tissue around the fracture.
Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and the bone fragments separate enough to distort normal body contours.
Tenderness to the touch.
Numbness and coldness beyond the fracture site, if the blood supply is impaired.

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

Immobilization will be necessary. A Rigid cast is placed around the injured area to immobilize the fingers and wrist.
After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use a heating pad or heat lamp so heat can penetrate the cast.
After the cast is removed,use frequent ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a baseball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day, and before workouts or competition.

MEDICATION

Your doctor may prescribe:

General anesthesia, local anesthesia, or muscle relaxants to make bone manipulation possible.
Narcotic or synthetic narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
Acetaminophen (available without prescription) for mild pain after initial treatment.

Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to treat the fracture. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under anesthesia more hazardous.
During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs.

Use appropriate protective equipment, such as padded gloves for boxing and hand pad for football.
If you have had a previous hand fracture,use tape and padding to protect your hands before participating in contact sports.