Metacarpal Hand Fracture

Metacarpal Hand Fracture

Metacarpal Fracture​ Treatment in Wayne, Paramus, and Parsippany NJ

Metacarpal fractures are common fractures in the hand that usually occur when a closed fist strikes an object.

The hand consists of many small bones, muscles, and tendons that articulate and work together to allow for fine motor movements, dexterity, and strength. The metacarpals are the long bones in the hand that connect to the fingers. The head of the metacarpal bones are what makes the prominence of your knuckles when you make a fist. Metacarpal fractures commonly occur during motor vehicle accidents, falls, or other trauma.

Metacarpal fractures can affect patients of all ages. Unfortunately, they affect use of the hand for grasping, lifting, catching, throwing, or balance. Generally, there will be swelling and pain over the top of the hand. There will also be a history of trauma and you may have difficulty making a fist. Sometimes your involved knuckle may appear less prominent than usual. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should be evaluated by one of our doctors.

At your initial evaluation, our doctors will carefully examine your hand and take x-rays to confirm your diagnosis. Your treatment will depend on the severity of your fracture and a variety of other factors. Fractures that are non-displaced or minimally displaced can be treated conservatively in a cast or a splint. These fractures will generally heal in about 4 weeks. Your doctor will follow up with you to ensure the fracture alignment doesn’t change and get worse during your healing process.

Fractures that are displaced may need to be treated with closed reduction and splinting. This involves manually moving the bones back into proper alignment and holding them in place with a splint. You will usually receive a local anesthetic prior to the reduction to decrease your pain. A splint will be used to ensure there is no motion at the fracture site. This splint will incorporate the wrist and the involved finger and neighboring finger out to the tips. These fractures are followed very closely and may need to be monitored weekly in the beginning to make sure things are staying well aligned. Your doctor will determine when you have sufficient healing and can discontinue wearing the splint. Healing depends on several factors including age, fracture type and severity, but most patients will be immobilized for about 4 weeks. Physical therapy will usually be a part of your recovery. Your hand may feel stiff and weak after the splint is removed and therapy will help you regain motion and strength.

Other displaced fractures that are unstable or in multiple pieces may need surgical intervention. Surgery may be done by putting a long screw into the canal of the metacarpal to realign the fracture or by using a plate and screw on the outside of the bone. The goal in both cases is to realign the bone and hold it in place with internal hardware. You will be placed in a splint after surgery. Often, you will remove the splint early on to begin range of motion exercises to avoid stiffness. Your fracture will not be healed at this point, but motion is safe because the hardware is keeping everything aligned. You will still be unable to do any strengthening or contact sports until the fracture is healed.