How is a spiral fracture of the metacarpal treated?
Spiral metacarpal fractures (metacarpal II-V) can be treated conservatively or with operation. With minimal displacement this fracture is usually treated with immobilisation or early mobilisation. With appreciable displacement especially any malrotation the patient usually is treated with an operation.
How long does a metacarpal spiral fracture take to heal?
Metacarpal fractures usually take about six to eight weeks to heal. You’ll probably have to wear a splint as part of your treatment. It covers part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist, and you’ll most likely wear it for around three weeks. You may also undergo physical therapy.
Do you need surgery for metacarpal fracture?
Many metacarpal fractures do not require surgery. The metacarpals for the middle and ring finger are the least likely to require surgery because the other intact metacarpals on both sides form a natural splint that keeps the broken metacarpal fragments from displacing, rotating, or angulating too much.
What happens if a metacarpal fracture goes untreated?
An untreated boxer’s fracture can lead to a decrease in your ability to grip, limited range of motion of the finger, and an abnormal looking finger. With treatment, these problems are usually minor, if they happen at all.
Which position is best for metacarpal bone fracture?
Most commonly, metacarpal fractures have apex dorsal angulation. Most authors recommend nonoperative management for up to 40°–50° of apex dorsal angulation in the small finger, 30° at the ring finger, 20° at the middle finger, and 15° at the index finger [8, 12].
When does a metacarpal fracture need surgery?
If a metacarpal fracture is displaced or if the fracture pattern is unstable it is likely that surgery will be recommended. If you need surgery it is best that this be performed within 2 weeks of your fracture. Displaced fractures are likely to heal with shortening, or angulation, or rotation.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken metacarpal?
Treatment options
- applying ice to the hand.
- using a splint to hold it stable while it heals.
- not using your hand for a period of time.
- keeping your hand above heart level.
- taking prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, depending on the amount of pain.
- cleaning and treating any wounds on the skin of the injured hand.
How much does metacarpal surgery cost?
On MDsave, the cost of an Open Treatment of Metacarpal Fracture ranges from $2,427 to $6,388. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.
How bad does a metacarpal fracture hurt?
Their hand will be very painful, maximally so over the specific metacarpal bone that is fractured. There will be swelling, often a considerable amount, as well as bruising directly over the injury. They may have difficulty moving the fingers due to the amount of pain from the fracture.
How can I tell if I fractured my metacarpal?
Symptoms of a metacarpal fracture usually include one or more of the following:
- Hand pain and tenderness to touch (over the back of the hand or palm)
- Hand swelling.
- Hand bruising.
- Hand pain / grinding when making a fist.
- Hand deformity (fingers may not line up normally when making a fist)
What is the outcome of conservative treatment of spiral metacarpal?
Spiral metacarpal fractures, whether central or border, whether single or multiple, can usually be treated reliably with early mobilization as any malrotation corrects with flexion and the degree of shortening is limited. Keywords: Spiral metacarpal fracture; conservative treatment; intermetacarpal ligament; malrotation; shortening.
When to have surgery for a metacarpal fracture?
Conservative treatment of metacarpal fractures is recommended if there is no joint displacement, malrotation, displacement of over 30 degrees ad axim and shortening of over 5 mm. Surgery should be performed in open fractures and serial fractures of metacarpal bone. Early functional treatment should …
What are the keywords for spiral metacarpal fracture?
Keywords: Spiral metacarpal fracture; conservative treatment; intermetacarpal ligament; malrotation; shortening. © The Author(s) 2014. MeSH terms
What kind of fracture is the 4th metacarpal?
Christopher has fractured his 4th metacarpal, meaning the ring finger metacarpal. A spiral fracture generally occurs in the shaft of the bone from a twisting or rotational force. Rotation at the fracture site can cause the finger to cross over another finger when bending into a fist.