Question 1

when can you return to work with a fractured 5th metacarpal?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the work.: People with "sedentary" or "low demand" jobs can often return back to work following splint immobilization of the injury. If you perform desk-type duties, the splint can adequately protect the fracture from displacement. People who engage in heavy demand activities, such as construction work, may need to avoid full work duties until the fracture has healed completely.

Question 2

i fractured my fifth metacarpal  and was given a cast for 3 weeks. i was wondering how long it would take after the cast is off to return to sports.

Accepted Answer

Varies: usually healing is 4-6 weeks. allow about 2 weeks to get full range of motion and strength. Then you can play again

Question 3

my daughter is a gymnast and fractured her 4th metacarpal 4 1 2 weeks ago she was placed in a cast for 4 weeks and removed from it and now is in a splint because it did not heal told to return in 4 weeks but we are wonderingif she should be checked in 2 w

Accepted Answer

Metacarpal fx: There is no harm in returning in 2 weeks. Just tell the doctor you would feel more at ease with a new x-ray at 2 weeks instead of 4. There should be no problem.

Question 4

i fractured my 4th metacarpal a few days ago in basketball game.  is surgery necessary?

Accepted Answer

Metacarpal fractures: If non displaced or non angulated (bent) or not shortened don&#x27;t typically need surgery. Surgery can be offered for excessive angualation, abnormal rotation that shows up a truly overlapped fingers or significant shortening that  could change tendon mechanics . Open fractures also need to be washed out, especially  grossly contaminated wounds with fractures.

Question 5

what are the signs that a fractured metacarpal needs reduction?

Accepted Answer

Deformity: The only way to know if a fracture needs reduction, is with x-rays. If the bone is obviously displaced or the finger is crooked, there is a good chance that the fracture needs to be reduced. See a board certified orthopaedic hand surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

Question 6

if you fractured your 5th metacarpal can you still squeeze and pick up things without pain and write pages of notes.?

Accepted Answer

Probably yes: Depends on where and how badly you broke it 
an xray might be a good idea.

Question 7

i fractured my 5th metacarpal how long will i need cast?

Accepted Answer

It depend: Were the located, in the proximal end , the shaft or the distal end and if displaced or not , simple fracture take about 6 weeks.

Question 8

it's only been 3 weeks since i fractured my first metacarpal. dr. said he would remove my pins tomorrow. too soon? isn't 4-6 weeks better? nervous!

Accepted Answer

Metacarpal fracture: Removing pins for a metacarpal fracture after 3 weeks may not be unreasonable, depending on the nature of the fracture. Typically pins are removed after 4-6 weeks. Let your surgeon know about your concerns. Keeping your pins in for another 7-10 days might make you more at ease and is unlikely to lead to any major problems

Question 9

hows a 3rd metacarpal fracture fixed?

Accepted Answer

MC fracture: Fractures, including the metacarpal, can be fixed by a variety of techniques.  Non-displaced injuries can often be treated with a brace or cast.  Internal fixation with plates, screws, wires are needed when the fracture is unstable or displaced.  External fixation is also a rarely used option for severe injuries.

Question 10

i fractured my third metacarpal 8 weeks ago, however xrays not showing progress in healing. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Nonunion: This is called a nonunion. Sometimes when a fracture does not heal the orthopedic doctors need to go in and do a surgery to pin it. Talk to your doctor about options.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

When can you return to work with a fractured 5th metacarpal

A member asked:

When can you return to work with a fractured 5th metacarpal?

A member asked:

I fractured my fifth metacarpal and was given a cast for 3 weeks. i was wondering how long it would take after the cast is off to return to sports.

A member asked:

My daughter is a gymnast and fractured her 4th metacarpal 4 1 2 weeks ago she was placed in a cast for 4 weeks and removed from it and now is in a splint because it did not heal told to return in 4 weeks but we are wonderingif she should be checked in 2 w

A member asked:

I fractured my 4th metacarpal a few days ago in basketball game. is surgery necessary?

A member asked:

What are the signs that a fractured metacarpal needs reduction?

A member asked:

If you fractured your 5th metacarpal can you still squeeze and pick up things without pain and write pages of notes.?

A member asked:

I fractured my 5th metacarpal how long will i need cast?

A member asked:

It's only been 3 weeks since i fractured my first metacarpal. dr. said he would remove my pins tomorrow. too soon? isn't 4-6 weeks better? nervous!

A member asked:

Hows a 3rd metacarpal fracture fixed?

A member asked:

I fractured my third metacarpal 8 weeks ago, however xrays not showing progress in healing. is this normal?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?