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What is a Boxer’s Fracture?

A boxer’s fracture is a break in the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone of the hand (below the pinkie finger) close to the knuckle. The hand is composed of 3 types of bones: carpal or wrist bones, metacarpals or long hand bones, and phalanges or finger bones. Metacarpals consist of five long bones that connect the carpal with the phalanges. Structurally, metacarpal bones can be divided into four parts: base, shaft, neck, and head. In some cases, the broken bone can protrude through the skin and is called an open fracture.

Risk Factors

A boxer’s fracture is usually caused by punching a hard surface while your hand is clenched into a fist, hence the name. Other risk factors include:

  • Trauma
  • Contact sports
  • A fall on an outstretched arm
  • Violent twisting of the arm
  • Medical conditions that weaken your bones

Symptoms

The symptoms of a boxer’s fracture can include:

  • Little finger looks bent and out of alignment
  • Feeling of a tingling sensation
  • Area around the little finger feels numb and cold
  • Pain, swelling and bruising (blue) on the outer side of the hand
  • Limited range of motion of the hand
  • Difficulty forming a fist

What Happens if a Boxer’s Fracture is Left Untreated?

An untreated boxer’s fracture can cause an abnormal looking finger and hand. Gradually, you may experience a decreased ability to grip.

Diagnosis

  • Your doctor will assess your symptoms and take a medical history.
  • Physical examination of the hand will be performed by looking for signs such as:
    • Breaks in the skin
    • A bump below the little finger
    • Deformed appearing knuckle
    • Different shape of your hand at its outer side
  • Imaging studies such as X-ray, MRI or CT-scan will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of a boxer’s fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Taking a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids to manage pain
  • Avoiding activities that trigger symptoms
  • Applying ice packs over a towel to the area to reduce swelling and pain
  • Elevating your hand above the heart level
  • Getting a tetanus shot, if necessary
  • Casting or splinting to immobilise the hand for a few weeks
  • Physiotherapy to regain strength and regain mobility

Surgery may be recommended if you do not respond to conservative treatment options. Stabilisation of the fractured bone will be achieved by using small pins. Surgery is followed by rest, use of a hand splint and physiotherapy to enhance flexibility, range of motion and strength.

  • NHS
  • The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • 
British Elbow & Shoulder Society
  • Swor and D

Hospitals Attended

  • Stratford Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Arden St, Stratford-upon-Avon,
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • Nuffield Health
    Warwickshire Hospital

    The Chase, Old Milverton Lane
    Leamington Spa
    CV32 6RW
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • Warwick Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Lakin Road, Warwick,
    CV34 5BW
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • The Grafton Suite,
    Building One

    Stratford Hospital, Arden Street
    Stratford-upon-Avon
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • The Cherwell Hospital

    Oxford Rd, Banbury
    OX16 9FG
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

    (NHS)

    (Private)
  • Spire Parkway (Solihull)

    1 Damson Pkwy,
    Solihull B91 2PP,
    United Kingdom
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nuffield Health
  • 
The Grafton Suite - South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Swor and D
  • Swor and D