 Facial Bone Fracturee |
| Finger Dislocation |
| Finger Fracture |
| Finger Sprain |
| Fingertip Injury |
| Foot Bursitis |
| Foot Contusion |
| Foot Dislocation, Subtalar |
| Foot Dislocation, Talus |
| Foot Fracture |
| Foot Ganglion |
| Foot Hematoma |
| Foot Sprain |
| Foot Strain |
| Foot Stress Fracture |
| Foot Tenosynovitis |
| Genital Contusion |
| Groin Strain |
| Hand Contusion |
| Hand Dislocation |
| Hand Fracture, Carpal |
| Hand Fracture, Metacarpal |
| Hand Fracture, Navicular |
| Hand Ganglion |
| Hand Hematoma |
| Hand Sprain |
| Hand Tendinitis And Tenosynovitis |
| Head Injury, Cerebral Concussion |
| Head Injury, Cerebral Contusion |
| Head Injury, Extradural Hemorrhage & Hematoma |
| Head Injury, Intracerebral Hematoma |
| Skull Fracture |
| Subdural Hemorrhage And Hematoma |
| Hip Bursitis |
| Hip Dislocation |
| Hip Fracture |
| Hip Strain |
| Hip Synovitis |
| Jaw Dislocation, Temporomandibular Joint |
| Jaw Fracture (Mandible) |
| Jaw Sprain |
| Kidney Injury |
| Knee Bursitis |
| Knee Cartilage Injury |
| Knee Contusion |
| Knee Dislocation, Tibia Femur |
| Knee Dislocation, Tibia Fibula |
| Knee Sprain |
| Knee Strain |
| Knee Synovitis With Effusion |
| Kneecap Dislocation |
| Kneecap Fracture |
| Leg Contusion, Lower Leg |
| Leg Exostosis |
| Leg Fracture, Fibula |
| Leg Fracture, Tibia |
| Leg Hematoma, Lower Leg |
| Leg Sprain |
| Leg Strain, Calf |
| Leg Stress Fracture, Fibula Injury |
|
|
Home :: Hand Fracture, Metacarpal
Hand Fracture, Metacarpal
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.
Signs & Symptoms
- 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.
Treatment
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.
Home Diet
- 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.
Prevention Tips
- 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.
|
|
