Metacarpal Fractures

METACARPAL FRACTURES

Metacarpal fractures. bone fracture, or shattered bones, include metacarpal fractures. Your hand’s metacarpals are the bones that join your wrist to your thumb and finger bones (phalanges). Pressing on the back of your hand will allow you to feel your metacarpals.
Fractures of the metacarpal region occur often. Usually, sports injuries or falling onto your hand induce them.

METACARPAL FRACTURES

When your metacarpal fracture heals, you might simply need to wear a cast or splint. Surgery is sometimes necessary to fix fractures. Metacarpal fractures are among the most frequent bone fractures. While it may be annoying to be unable to use your hand while it heals, take your time getting better. Your chances of refracturing or experiencing other issues can rise if you overstress your bone before it has healed.

Symptoms

Pain is one of the signs of a metacarpal fracture.
Swelling.
Tenderness.
moving or utilizing your hand with difficulty.
discoloration or bruises.
a lump or malformation that is not typically present on your body.
It’s likely that the other tissue in your hand surrounding your bone will also sustain harm if you break your metacarpal. This encompasses your: Defenses.
Tendons.
Muscles.

Causes

Falling is one of the most frequent causes of metacarpal fractures.
injuries sustained in sports.
additional traumas, such as auto accidents.
injuries sustained on the job site or during work.
You may be more susceptible to a metacarpal fracture if you have certain medical issues that impact your hands and fingers. Fractures can result from noncancerous tumors called enchondromas that develop inside your bones.

Treatment

The kind, cause, and extent of bone injury all influence how your fracture is managed.
Immobilization
You could only require a cast or splint if your fracture is minor and your bones haven’t moved much (i.e., it’s nondisplaced). The majority of patients who suffer a metacarpal fracture require three to six weeks of immobility. Follow-up X-rays are necessary to ensure proper bone healing.
Reduced to a closed
A closed reduction may be necessary to fix (realign) your bones if the break is more serious. To align your fractured bones, your healthcare expert will push the outside of your hand. One of the following will be given to you in order to keep you from experiencing discomfort during the procedure:

The improvement of your symptoms may take several weeks. Your bone won’t fully recover its strength for about six weeks, but the pain should start to subside in a few days.
Your hand should be able to move normally again after a few weeks, depending on the kind of surgery or immobilization required to fix your fracture.
In the event that your severe pain doesn’t go away, get in touch with your healthcare practitioner immediately.

Prevention

Use these general safety guidelines to lower your chance of getting hurt:
Put on your seatbelt at all times.
For all sports and activities, wear the appropriate protective gear.
Clear your workstation and house of any clutter that can trip you or others.
Always reach things at home with the right tools or equipment. Never stand on tables, chairs, or worktops.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to support strong bones.
If you are over 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis, discuss getting a bone density test with your doctor.
If you have a higher risk of falling or have trouble walking, use a cane or walker.

Summary

Even if surgery is required, you should anticipate fully recovering from a metacarpal fracture.
Discuss your risk of osteoporosis with your healthcare professional, particularly if you are aware of a family history of the condition. You can detect it before it breaks a bone by having a bone density screening.