Should i have surgery on a mildly displaced metacarpal that led to 1/4" shortening of index finger and a recessed knuckle (1/4")? hand function is normal according to the doctor. happened 8 weeks ago.

No if normal: If your hand is functioning per normal with no pain and your physician did not find any functional deficit at 8 wks post injury achieving a better result will be challenging.

NO!: If hand function is normal and you can live with the appearance of the "recessed knuckle", don't have surgery. Risks clearly outweigh benefits.

Finger fracture: One of the criteria for surgery following metacarpal fracture is rotation of the bone. If you slowly flex your fingers together (like you are making a fist) all of the finger tips should point toward the scaphoid (the spot on your wrist where you take a person's pulse). If the broken finger overlaps the adjacent finger(s) or if it points in a different direction, this may be a reason to operate.