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.

What is 4th metacarpal fracture?

Boxer fracture is another name for a fracture of the fourth or fifth metacarpal, one of the most common metacarpal fractures. The mechanisms of these injuries vary from axial loading forces to direct blows to the dorsal hand.

What causes short 4th metacarpal?

A shortened fourth metacarpal bone can be a symptom of Kallmann syndrome, a genetic condition which results in the failure to commence or the non-completion of puberty. A short fourth metacarpal bone can also be found in Turner syndrome, a disorder involving sex chromosomes.

What causes shortening of the metacarpal in spiral oblique fractures?

Especially in spiral oblique fractures, shortening of the metacarpal is associated with rotational malalignment. Reduction, therefore, is achieved by a combination of longitudinal traction on the finger and derotation.

What do you call a fracture of the 5th metacarpal?

Such a fracture seen in the 5th (or rarely, the 4th) metacarpal neck is called a “boxer’s fracture” (Figure 4). Metacarpal head fractures are rare and usually require surgical intervention. Figure 4: Boxer’s fracture, i.e., a fracture of the neck of the 5th metacarpal.

Can a second metacarpal be included in a splint?

In fractures of the second metacarpal, it may be sufficient to include only the second and third rays. In fractures of the fifth metacarpal, the fifth and fourth rays are included. The splint is held in place with an elastic bandage.

What’s the difference between a spiral and an oblique fracture?

Transverse – The break is in a straight line across the bone. Spiral – The break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury. Oblique – Diagonal break across the bone.