How long does a broken metacarpal take to heal after surgery?

How long does a broken metacarpal take to heal after surgery?

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.

How painful is a metacarpal fracture?

When you’ve fractured a metacarpal bone, you will probably have pain when you try to form a fist, and you may also find that your fingers are stiff. Other symptoms that can suggest that you’ve suffered a metacarpal fracture include: Immediate pain in the hand.

Do metacarpal fractures require surgery?

A metacarpal fracture may require surgery. If your surgeon makes the assessment that the fracture will NOT give you good hand function without surgery, surgical treatment will be recommended.

When does a metacarpal fracture need surgery?

Indications for surgery of metacarpal shaft fractures include greater than 10° of angulation in the index or middle finger metacarpal, or greater than 30°–40° of angulation in the ring or small finger. In addition, open and multiple metacarpal fractures are often best treated surgically.

Can a broken metacarpal heal without a cast?

Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.

How do you fix a broken metacarpal bone?

Treatment of a metacarpal fracture can usually be accomplished with the use of a cast. A cast is usually worn for three to six weeks, followed by gentle motion exercises. 2 Occasionally, if stiffness becomes a problem after cast treatment, a hand therapist will be recommended to work with you.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken metacarpal?

Treatment options

1. applying ice to the hand.
2. using a splint to hold it stable while it heals.
3. not using your hand for a period of time.
4. keeping your hand above heart level.
5. taking prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, depending on the amount of pain.
6. cleaning and treating any wounds on the skin of the injured hand.

Can a 5th metacarpal fracture heal on its own?

In most cases, the metacarpal fracture heals well and does so over the course of 6 to 8 weeks. Over that time the cast can be removed after a period of time and changed to a removable splint. X-rays are checked every few weeks to be sure the fracture is healing properly and the bone ends maintain their alignment.

Can you move your finger with a broken 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.

Can a broken metacarpal heal without surgery?

In most cases, a hand fracture will heal well with nonsurgical treatment. Depending on the type and location of the fracture, this may include wearing a cast, splint or buddy straps for a period of time.

Can a metacarpal fracture heal on its own?

Can you break your metacarpal bone?

A metacarpal fracture is a break—technically known as a fracture—in one or more of the long tubular bones of the palm of the hand, called the metacarpal bones. The classic metacarpal fracture happens in the fifth metacarpal (associated with the pinky finger) in the hands of boxers or other pugilistic athletes.

What to do with a broken metacarpal bone?

In addition, you may need physical therapy to help restore the strength and range of motion that can lessen after your finger was immobilized. If you may have broken a bone in your hand, make an appointment for an evaluation today with Mirza Orthopedics.

How long do you wear a cast for a metacarpal fracture?

Treatment of a metacarpal fracture can usually be accomplished with the use of a cast. A cast is usually worn for 3 to 6 weeks, followed by gentle motion exercises.

What are the bones at the end of the metacarpal?

The metacarpal bones support the hand, and the end of the metacarpal bone forms the knuckle on the back of your hand. Other bones in the area include the phalanges (the fingers) and the carpal bones (the wrist).

How can a metacarpal fracture occur in a hand?

A fracture of a metacarpal is a break in one of the knuckle bones. Physiotherapy is an important part of the rehabilitation following a metacarpal fracture. How can a metacarpal fracture occur?

Can a broken hand cause a metacarpal fracture?

Metacarpal Fracture. Any of these bones can be broken or fractured but the 1st metacarpal under the base of the thumb is the most commonly injured. The fracture is usually caused by a direct impact which causes pain in the area. Treatment for these kinds of fractures usually involves immobilisation in a cast followed by strengthening exercises.

How long do you stay in a plaster cast for a metacarpal fracture?

Most metacarpal fractures which are straightforward without other complications are treated with immobilization in a plaster cast or splint for a period of 2-6 weeks depending on the type of fracture.

How long does it take for a broken metacarpal bone 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.

The metacarpal bones support the hand, and the end of the metacarpal bone forms the knuckle on the back of your hand. Other bones in the area include the phalanges (the fingers) and the carpal bones (the wrist).