A boxer's fracture is a break (fracture) of the bone in your hand that connects your little finger to your wrist (fifth metacarpal). This type of fracture usually happens at the end of the bone, closest to the little finger. The knuckle is often pushed down by the impact.
In some cases, only a splint or brace is needed, or you may need a cast. Casting or splinting may include taping your injured finger to the next finger (buddy taping). You may need surgery to repair the fracture and hold the bones in place. This may involve the use of wires, screws, or plates to hold the bones in place.
CAUSES
Your health care provider may suspect a boxer's fracture based on your symptoms, especially if you had a recent hand injury. Your health care provider will also do a physical exam. This may include X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on how severe your fracture is. Possible treatments include:
Closed reduction. If your fracture can be moved back into place and is stable, you may only need to have buddy taping or to wear a cast or splint.
Open reduction with internal fixation. This may be needed if your fracture is very out of place or goes through the joint surface of the bone. Then, open surgery is done to move your bones back into the right position. Your health care provider may use screws, wires, or plates to stabilize the fracture.
You may need to wear a cast or splint for several weeks. You will also need to have follow-up X-rays to make sure the fracture is healing well and staying in position. After you no longer need the cast or splint, you may need physical therapy. This will help you regain full movement and strength in your hand.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If You Have a Cast:
Do not stick anything inside the cast to scratch your skin. Doing that increases your risk of
