How do you Immobilise a metacarpal fracture?

How do you Immobilise a metacarpal fracture?

Immobilization of most metacarpal fractures follows a few simple guidelines, including the following:

  1. Fracture splints should be forearm-based and should allow for motion of the interphalangeal (IP) joints.
  2. Splints should extend over the dorsal and palmar aspect of the entire metacarpal being treated.

How long does a fracture metacarpal take to heal?

Most of the healing happens between three to six weeks but can take several months for your full symptoms to settle completely. In addition, once the fracture has healed you may have a permanent ‘bump’ where the bone was fractured.

How painful is a fractured metacarpal?

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.

Are metacarpals easy to break?

In severe injuries, multiple metacarpals can be fractured. The fifth metacarpal (the one that attaches to the small finger) is especially susceptible to fracture when punching objects with a closed fist, hence the nickname “Boxer’s Fracture”.

What is a metacarpal fracture?

Metacarpal Fractures are the most common hand injury and are divided into fractures of the head, neck, or shaft. Diagnosis is made by orthogonal radiographs the hand.

What are the pre-operative steps in the treatment of metacarpal fracture?

Pre-operative antibiotics, +/- regional block. Supine with hand table, tourniquet high on the arm. All bony prominences well padded. Prep and drape in standard sterile fashion. Dorsal longitudinal incision over affected metacarpal.

How is mini-external fixation performed in the treatment of metacarpal fracture?

Mini-external fixation. (Freeeland AE, CORR, 1987;214:93) Generally 1.5mm or 2.5mm plates. Sign operative site. Pre-operative antibiotics, +/- regional block. Supine with hand table, tourniquet high on the arm. All bony prominences well padded. Prep and drape in standard sterile fashion. Dorsal longitudinal incision over affected metacarpal.

What does deformity of the metacarpal mean?

deformity indicates location deformity at metacarpal base may indicate CMC dislocation. shortening can be assessed by comparing contralateral hand. malrotation assessed by lining up fingernail in partial flexion and full flexion if possible, compare to contralateral side.

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