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Contents
  • Non-Surgical Treatments
  • When Surgery is Needed
  • Managing Minor Avulsion Fractures

Treating Metacarpal Head Fractures: What Are Your Options?

Treating Metacarpal Head Fractures: What Are Your Options?

What's This About?

Treating metacarpal head fractures involves various approaches depending on the severity. Discover the best treatment options for these injuries.
Contents
  • Non-Surgical Treatments
  • When Surgery is Needed
  • Managing Minor Avulsion Fractures

Non-Surgical Treatments

For minor non-displaced fractures, a gutter splint is often used for immobilization. This allows the fracture to heal while preventing joint stiffness. Patients can start range of motion exercises after two to three weeks to avoid prolonged immobility, which can cause stiffness.

When Surgery is Needed

Surgical referral is crucial for fractures that are open, displaced, or involve vascular or nerve injuries. Most metacarpal head fractures are intraarticular and comminuted, often requiring surgical intervention. Early referral to a hand surgeon ensures proper management and reduces the risk of complications.
A metacarpal head fracture involves a break in the rounded end of the metacarpal bone, often requiring specific treatments based on severity.

Managing Minor Avulsion Fractures

Minor avulsion fractures caused by collateral ligament injuries can sometimes be managed without surgery. If the fragments are small and not displaced beyond 3 mm, they can be treated conservatively. However, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before deciding on nonoperative management.

FAQs

How are minor fractures treated?

Minor fractures are often treated with immobilization using a splint.

When is surgery necessary?

Surgery is needed for open, displaced, or complicated fractures.

Can avulsion fractures be treated non-surgically?

Yes, if they are small and minimally displaced.

Wrapping Up

Understanding treatment options is key to recovering from metacarpal head fractures.
Explore treatment plans with Doctronic and ensure a smooth recovery!
Additional References
  1. Light TR, Bednar MS. Management of intra-articular fractures of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Hand Clin 1994; 10:303.
  2. Cotterell IH, Richard MJ. Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in athletes. Clin Sports Med 2015; 34:69.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.