A 30-year-old member asked:
i have a boxers fracture. what should i do?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Bolesta answered
Orthopedic Surgery 40 years experience
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.
5328 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Gluck answered
Hand Surgery 39 years experience
Boxers fracture: Refers to a fracture at the knuckle end of the fifth finger, i.E metacarpal. This is typically sustained after a blunt trauma as in punching/boxing (albeit with poor form), ergo the name. Treatment consists of x-rays and an attempt at manipulating the fracture into place and holding it that way. Occasionally it is too angled or won't hold and a temporary pin is placed. Otherwise, a splint will do.
4988 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. David Trettin answered
Orthopedic Surgery 33 years experience
Causes pain...: "boxer's" fracture( 5th metacarpal neck fxs.)are extremely common. They obviously cause pain and usually deformity.Treatment is generally closed reduction/splinting or casting. If, after reduction, angulation is still> 30degrees or malrotation is present.Percutaneous pinning is tx.(this is unusual).'real' boxers fracture the 2nd metacarpal neck more often than "sat night" sluggers! gl!
4618 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
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Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
What is the treatment plan for a boxer's fracture?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Greer answered
Family Medicine 44 years experience
Depends: In many just splint but if the displacement is severe it may require pins.This requires consultation with orthopedics.
5718 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
What's boxer's fracture treatment?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ahmad M Hadied answered
Orthopedic Surgery 49 years experience
Splint and follow up: Most of these fracture are treated by means of reduction and application of splint, few will require surgery.
5512 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Can a boxers fracture heal by itself?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Marc Dehart answered
Orthopedic Surgery 33 years experience
Almost always: As long as the fracture is well aligned and not poking out the skin, it usually will do well.
5348 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Can you still make a fist after a boxer's fracture?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hutchinson answered
Orthopedic Surgery 34 years experience
Sure: Immediately after, it simply hurts to make a fist. After the fracture heals, the patient needs to work on flexibility to regain full motion. In some cases the bone heals with the some flexion. In those cases it looks like one knuckle is missing or not as proud as the others. Ultimately, you can still make a fist because your small finger is naturally very flexible.
5340 viewsReviewed May 1, 2019
A 34-year-old member asked:
What do you think I should do with boxers fracture?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Trettin answered
Orthopedic Surgery 33 years experience
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!
4529 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Feb 8, 2017
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