Fractures of the palm involve the bones located between the finger bones and wrist bones. These bones are called metacarpal bones. Occasionally, the metacarpal bone at the base of the thumb fractures, but these fractures are usually considered separately.
Metacarpal fractures often result from punching a hard object.
The knuckles are swollen and tender.
Usually, doctors can diagnose these fractures based on x-rays taken from several angles.
Treatment involves a splint and sometimes first putting the broken pieces of bone back in place (reduction), depending on the type of fracture.
(See also Overview of Fractures.)
Metacarpal fractures are often called boxer's fractures because they often result from punching a hard object (such as a wall or another person's jaw). When these fractures result from punching someone in the mouth, the skin may be broken ("fight bite"). In such cases, bacteria from the other person's mouth can contaminate the wound and cause infections that, if not treated soon, can permanently affect use of the hand.
Symptoms of Palm Fractures
The knuckles become swollen and tender in people with metacarpal fractures. Occasionally, the broken pieces of bone are out of place (misaligned) or rotate so that a finger is out of position.
Diagnosis of Palm Fractures
X-rays
(See also Diagnosis of Fractures.)
If people think that they may have fractured their palm, they should see a doctor.
Usually, doctors can diagnose the fracture based on x-rays taken from several angles.
Treatment of Palm Fractures
For open wounds, especially "fight bites," antibiotics to prevent infection
Sometimes realignment of the broken bones
A splint
If people have wounds near the injured joint in their hand, they may have punched someone in the mouth. If they did punch someone in the mouth, doctors may clean out the wound and give them antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Metacarpal fractures are treated with a splint (such as an ulnar gutter splint) for several weeks. Whether the broken pieces need to be put back in place (reduced) before the splint is applied depends on the type of fracture.
Ulnar Gutter Splint
If the broken pieces are badly misaligned or rotated, doctors can usually move them back in place without surgery—called closed reduction.
Before moving the bones back in place, doctors may use one of the following to prevent people from feeling pain:
A hematoma block
An ulnar nerve block
For an ulnar nerve block, doctors inject an anesthetic into nerves in the area. This procedure prevents the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. The ulnar nerve runs from the elbow to the little and ring fingers.
After the splint is removed, exercises to move the hand and fingers through their full range of motion are started gradually. Typically, people regain full use of their hand.
