Question 1

i'm 4 and a half weeks into wearing my splint for boxers fracture on 5th metacarp. still a lot of stiffness and don't see a knuckle really. normal?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Your fracture has shortened and has shifted.  I would start immediate motion and stretching.  If you don't see good improvement in the next 3-4 weeks with your motion, i would see a hand therapist.  Unfortunately,  your loss of the prominence of the 5th metacarpal head will be permanent.

Question 2

boxers fracture about 3 weeks ago and was put in a splint i can take off. my finger has no motion. will it always be like that?

Accepted Answer

Therapy will help: Immobilization with a splint is required for fracture healing, but once adequate healing occurs (minimal tenderness at fracture site is often best indicator of healing), motion to regain full function is necessary. Occupational therapy may be indicated if early progress is not noted. Speak with your treating orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Question 3

had boxers fracture in splint for 14 days. can i take off splint and buddy splint and wrap my metacarpal bones 2-5 in self adherent wrap?

Accepted Answer

Depends on healing: I do allow buddy taping of the 5th and 4th fingers for a 5th metacarpal fracture once the fracture has stabilized.  Fracture stability is indicated by lack of new displacement and angulation plus the presence of new bone on the x-rays, indicating healing.

Question 4

what's wrong with my pinky knuckle? how do i pop it back in place? i had just recovered from a boxers fracture on my 5th metacarpol head and when i took off the splint their was no knuckle to be found. when i close my fist and try to open it all the way m

Accepted Answer

This : This fracture is oftentimes allowed to heal with an acceptable amount of angulation. This angulation is what is causing the case of the "vanishing knuckle". Normally this is well tolerated. The ongoing pain should be evaluated further.

Question 5

is a splint better then a cast for a 5th
metacalful boxers fracture my hole hand 4 fingers and arm in half cast and want to use index and middle finga?

Accepted Answer

Varies: If you have a distal 5th metacarpal fracture, then some variant of a "clam digger" splint or cast is applied.   This involves immobilizing the 4th and 5th finger, and flexing them down an bout 70-99 degrees.  There is no benefit or need to immobilize the thumb, index, or middle finger.

Question 6

i have a boxers fracture. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

See hand specialist: See a hand specialist as soon as possible. She or he can set the fracture (restore alignment) and apply a proper splint to minimize future problems. Surgery is rarely needed. Some get this injury after punching in anger. If you tend to anger, get help in managing it to avoid future problems.

Question 7

can a boxers fracture heal by itself?

Accepted Answer

Almost always: As long as the fracture is well aligned and not poking out the skin, it usually will do well.

Question 8

what do you think i should do with boxers fracture?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize : You should see your md and get a referral to an orthopedist. Some 'boxer's' fractures require reduction of the fracture, followed by 4-6 wks of splinting( ulnar gutter) or casting.Untreated 5th metacarpal neck fractures can lead to malangulation/ malrotation deformities of the pinkie finger ( uncommon) and loss of the 'knuckle' prominence( more common). Best of luck!

Question 9

please inform me on post-op recovery for boxers fracture?

Accepted Answer

Like any other: Fracture, it take about8 weeks to heal, will be in cast or brace for that period of time usually they healed fine.

Question 10

do you think i'll need to get expensive treatment for a boxers fracture?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: A boxer's fracture sometimes requires surgery if the pieces of bone need to be realigned.  If the fracture is mild a cast may be all that is needed.

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Doctor answers about:

Splint for boxers fracture

A member asked:

I'm 4 and a half weeks into wearing my splint for boxers fracture on 5th metacarp. still a lot of stiffness and don't see a knuckle really. normal?

A member asked:

Boxers fracture about 3 weeks ago and was put in a splint i can take off. my finger has no motion. will it always be like that?

A member asked:

Had boxers fracture in splint for 14 days. can i take off splint and buddy splint and wrap my metacarpal bones 2-5 in self adherent wrap?

A member asked:

What's wrong with my pinky knuckle? how do i pop it back in place? i had just recovered from a boxers fracture on my 5th metacarpol head and when i took off the splint their was no knuckle to be found. when i close my fist and try to open it all the way m

A member asked:

Is a splint better then a cast for a 5th metacalful boxers fracture my hole hand 4 fingers and arm in half cast and want to use index and middle finga?

A member asked:

I have a boxers fracture. what should i do?

A member asked:

Can a boxers fracture heal by itself?

A member asked:

What do you think i should do with boxers fracture?

A member asked:

Please inform me on post-op recovery for boxers fracture?

A member asked:

Do you think i'll need to get expensive treatment for a boxers fracture?

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