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Hand Fracture

What to know about Hand Fracture, including assessment, treatment and when to seek urgent help.

Open 8am to 8pm, Mon to Sun 60 Coonan Street, IndooroopillyWalk in for suitable urgent injuries and illnesses

Fracture Treatment

About

Anatomy of the Hand: A Quick Refresher

Let’s take a moment to talk about the anatomy of the hand. Your hand consists of 27 bones, and the metacarpal bones are the five long bones that connect your wrist to your fingers. They help create the structure and function of your hand. Each metacarpal bone has a base, a shaft, and a head, with the head connecting to the proximal phalanx of each finger.

Mechanism of Injury: How Metacarpal Fractures Happen

Types of Fractures: It’s All in the Details

There are several different types of fractures that can affect the metacarpal bones. Some of the most common are:

  1. Metacarpal neck fracture: This is the most common hand fracture and often occurs due to punching with a closed fist.
  2. Metacarpal shaft fracture: This type of fracture occurs in the middle portion of the metacarpal bone.
  3. Intra-articular fracture: These fractures involve the joint surface and can be more complex to treat.

Diagnosis

Symptoms and Signs: When to Seek Help

Metacarpal fractures can cause various symptoms, including:

  • Pain and swelling at the fracture site
  • Difficulty moving the affected fingers
  • Deformity of the hand or fingers
  • Numbness or tingling due to nerve involvement

Examination and X-ray: Diagnosing the Fracture

When you visit a healthcare provider, they will conduct a thorough physical examination, checking for deformity, soft tissue damage, and any signs of open fractures. They may also test the range of motion of your fingers and assess your grip strength.

An X-ray is crucial in diagnosing metacarpal fractures. It helps visualize the bones and determine the type of fracture, any displacement, and whether it involves the joint surface (intra-articular fracture).

Treatment

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Next Steps

Metacarpal fractures are common injuries that can happen in everyday life. Understanding the anatomy, mechanism of injury, types of fractures, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms can help you seek the appropriate care quickly.