What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Boxer’s Fracture
• Metacarpal Fracture
• Multiple Fracture of Hand Bones 

What is Hand Fracture? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Hand Fracture is a common fracture that occurs, when one of more of the bones in one’s hand breaks
• The hand is made up of small bones in the fingers, called phalanges, and longer bones, called metacarpals (in the palm)
• When a Hand Fracture occurs, it is usually because one of the metacarpal bones of the hand breaks. A majority of such fractures are caused by a direct blow to the hand, or by falling on one’s hand
• The prognosis of Hand Fracture is usually excellent with appropriate treatment 

Who gets Hand Fracture? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• An individual of any age, gender, or race/ethnicity, can sustain a Hand Fracture
• However, these are more common in athletes, who participate in rough or high impact sports 

What are the Risk Factors for Hand Fracture? (Predisposing Factors)

Increased risks of Hand Fractures may be due to the following factors:

• Osteoporosis: Elderly individuals with Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to weaken and become more brittle
• Athletics: Individuals, who participate in rough or high impact sports, such as football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, rugby, hockey, and boxing
• Age: Elderly individuals are more prone to fall injuries, which might hurt their hands
• Poor nutrition: Individuals with an insufficient amount of calcium in their diet may have weaker bones

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Hand Fracture? (Etiology)

Hand Fractures may occur due to the following reasons:

• Falls: A direct fall, either with an outstretched hand or onto the elbow, is one of the main causes of a Hand Fracture. The injury may also occur since the individual is obese
• Direct trauma: Any significant traumatic event, such as an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle accident
• Sports-related injury: Participating in certain rough or high impact sports, such as football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, rugby, hockey, boxing, etc. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hand Fracture?

A fracture to the hand can be very painful making it difficult to move one’s hand and fingers. Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Tenderness of the hand to touch
• Swelling, bruising of the hand
• Pain that may be severe
• Any noticeable hand deformity 

How is Hand Fracture Diagnosed?

Common test a doctors may use to diagnosis Hand Fracture include:

• Physical examination and thorough evaluation of medical history
• X-ray: X-rays are used to determine the extent of the fracture, identify the exact location of the fracture, and understand how it affects the adjoining/surrounding joints
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected region: An MRI is a more detailed scan, which uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce images of the hand. This additional test allows a physician to generate high quality images of the soft-tissue structures of the hand
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the affected region: Occasionally, a physician may order a CT scan to take a more detailed image of the hand
• Bone scan: A bone scan injects a minimal and harmless dose of radioactive material into the bloodstream. High-quality images are then produced, allowing a physician a better look at the fractured hand

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Hand Fracture?

Complications with Hand Fractures include:

• Medical conditions: Individuals with a Hand Fracture may be at risk for certain future medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, due to improper healing
• Chronic pain: Any injury to the bones on the hand may result in prolonged and chronic pain
• Permanent deformity or disability of the hand:  When bones in the hand break, the injury may be severe that it leads to a permanent disability, in very rare cases 

How is Hand Fracture Treated?

Many Hand Fractures require surgical procedures to restore it to a normal condition; although some may be treated without surgery.

Nonsurgical treatment measures may include:

• Rest: Any activity that aggravates the hand condition further should be avoided. The physician would usually advise refraining from such activities, until the symptoms get better
• Splint or brace: The physician may prescribe some type of padded brace or cast, to help restrict hand movements and promote healing
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication: Medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help decrease the pain and swelling in the hand
• Ice: Applying ice to the hand can help with pain and reduce swelling
• Antibiotics: Various antibiotics may help in treating or preventing any infection
• Physical therapy: After the signs and symptoms have abated, it is important to begin some light motion exercises. Physical therapy may help restore strength, as well as gain some flexibility in the muscles

Surgical treatment measures may include:

• Open reduction of Hand Fracture: Open reduction is a surgical intervention tool used to realign the bones during surgery using orthopedic devices, such as plates, screws, and rods, to sustain proper position of the bone during the healing process 

How can Hand Fracture be Prevented?

It is always recommended to be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities such as, sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study or play; any probable dangers involved should be anticipated and safety measures adopted. 

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or a Hand Fracture include:

• Build bone strength: Foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, help build bone strength. Regular diet with an appropriate calcium intake is recommended, even after a fracture. In women, the recommended amount of calcium increases with age and menopause
• Prevent falls: Wearing appropriate footwear, such as the proper shoe size, may help prevent accidents
• Use protective gear: Wearing appropriate safety gear while playing sports, in order to help prevent fractures or other bodily injuries 

What is the Prognosis of Hand Fracture? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The majority of Hand Fractures heal without any serious complications, although some require surgical intervention
• A fracture of the hand typically heals within 8 weeks. When properly treated and rehabilitated, a high percentage of patients are able to regain full strength and range of motion in their injured hand 

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hand Fracture:

• Hand surgery is any surgical procedure that involves restoring and preserving normal functionality of the hand

The following article link will help you understand the hand surgery procedure:

https://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/hand-surgery/