WHAT IS BOXER’S FRACTURE?
Boxer’s fracture is a fracture in the long bone that connects the wrist to the little finger. This fracture can take up to several weeks to heal.
Boxer’s fracture is also called the fifth metacarpal fracture. It usually occurs in the little finger or ring finger and is most common in men. Its injury depends on how much damage has been done to the metacarpal bone. This fracture usually heals with proper treatment.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BOXER’S FRACTURE?
- The very name of “Boxer’s Fracture” suggests a lot about this injury. It usually occurs when the boxer slams his fist into another human’s face or hard object.
- Along with this, this fracture can happen when you hit something heavy on your hand or you hit your hand on something hard.
- A boxer’s fracture can happen in any other sport as well.
- This fracture can occur due to the weight and impact of the hand.
- This injury can occur if the hand is pressed under something heavy object.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BOXER’S FRACTURE?
The high-risk factors of boxer’s fracture are as follows-
- People who take part in these sports like Boxing, WWF
- People who have weak bones or have problems like osteoporosis may be at higher risk of this disease.
- Loss of muscle mass
- People who are more involved in violence
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BOXER’S FRACTURE?
- Closed fracture, in which the fracture does not break the skin.
- Open fracture, with damage to the skin.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BOXER’S FRACTURE?
The symptoms of a boxer’s fracture are similar to those of a broken bone, which are as follows:
- Swelling on both sides of the hand
- Pain in the affected area
- Tenderness near the broken bone
- Twitching of fingers
- Deep and painful injuries
- Bluish discoloration of the skin
- Inability to hold anything without feeling pain
- Numbness and coldness and tingling of nerves
Symptoms appear within 24 hours after injury. Boxer’s fractures require immediate medical attention.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR BOXER’S FRACTURE?
Treatment of a boxer’s fracture depends on the severity of the problem, which can be treated with splints, supporters, castings, or surgery. However, boxer’s fractures are usually treated with non-surgical treatment. To diagnose this fracture, first of all, the doctor will know about the symptoms and health history of this fracture from you. He will also try to know how the injury occurred to you.
Physical examination
After this, a physical examination will be done. Your hands and fingers will be tested. A picture of the hand can also be taken with the help of an X-ray.
The doctor can also adopt some simple methods to check this fracture such as:
- By applying pressure on each bone, we will find out about the location and type of injury
- He may gently push each finger towards the knuckle, which causes pain and this shows the exact location of the pain.
- The doctor will ask the patient to close his fist. This can cause the affected finger to bend more towards the thumb side than the normal finger or appear distorted compared to other fingers.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
- Boxer’s fractures can be treated with a splint or cast. However, it depends on the severity of the fracture.
- Medical treatment in the treatment of boxer’s fractures is also aimed at stabilizing the hand so that the bones do not move and fully heal. For this, the doctor may recommend you a splint and cast, with the help of which the joint does not move and heals quickly.
- Medical treatment also includes controlling the pain, for which the doctor can give pain relievers to the patient.
SURGERY
In some severe cases of boxer’s fracture, surgery may be recommended especially when the bones show signs of angulation. Treatment methods may also change depending on the angle. Minor angulation may require a splint, but strong degree angulation requires surgery. In surgery, the bone will be attached with the help of pins, screws, and plates.
In all cases of boxer’s fractures, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon who makes sure the healing is achieved properly.
WHAT ARE THE HOME REMEDIES FOR BOXER’S FRACTURE?
You can adopt these home remedies to cure boxer’s fracture:
- If there is a boxer’s fracture, apply ice to the affected area. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, but wrap it in a cloth or apply it with the help of an ice bag.
- Use a splint so that the arm remains stable.
- Move the arm less or work less until the arm is fully recovered.
- Keep the hand above your heart level.
- Medicines can be taken to reduce pain and swelling. Along with this, take these medicines only in the prescribed dosage.
- Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy or exercise to help your hand heal faster.
- Boxer’s fractures are mostly caused by accidents. Healthy bones and muscles are free from injury and fracture.
Just like every injury has different reasons and impact of severity, its treatment differs depending on the doctor’s advice.
For any information related to the fractures, visit our Specialty Care Clinics -if you have any type of injury.
Our team of experienced doctors will advise you on the best option for your safety