In the human body there are a huge number of bones, the role and importance of which we do not think about. For example, the metacarpal bones of the hand play a crucial role in the natural motor capabilities of the fingers. It is quite possible to protect these bones from injuries, the main thing is to know where they are located and what they can suffer from.
Hand structure
In the composition of the bones of the human hand, namely its hand, the metacarpal bones play an important role. These are tubular bones of a small size, which extend from the wrist in the amount of five pieces, thereby forming a kind of rays.
There are five metacarpal bones on each hand. Their numbering begins with the bone, which refers to the thumb. Due to their structure and location, these bones are actively involved in the motor ability of the fingers. They participate in flexion and extensor movements.
Each such bone includes:
Despite their importance, these bones are easily vulnerable. They are easily palpated through the skin of the hand and are most often injured if any blow occurs on the hand. So, the most common causes of fractures are fights, unsuccessful falls. Medical statistics suggest that the first and fifth bones are most affected.
Types of Metacarpal Fractures
Experts note that bone fractures in the area of the hand are most often found in men, women with similar injuries are treated extremely rarely.
Metacarpal fractures are classified identically to injuries of other bones in the body:
- Fracture closed.
- Open fracture.
- Fracture with displacement.
- Fracture without displacement.
An interesting fact is that the first metacarpal fracture is commonly called the “boxing fracture”. Such an injury is most often found in athletes, as well as in men involved in fights.
Fifth metacarpal bone and its fracture
The cause of a fracture of the fifth bone can be an unsuccessful fall on the arm, a heavy object hit on the arm. A fracture in itself is a violation of the integrity of the bone, which is accompanied by sharp pain and swelling in the area of the injury. Often hematomas form, and the movement of the finger will cause unpleasant pain.
A fracture of the 5 metacarpal bone with a displacement is considered the most unpleasant, which, most likely, will require further surgical intervention. This type of injury significantly impairs the motor ability of the hand.
Metacarpal fracture is usually divided into three types:
- At the base of the bone, which is closest to the wrist.
- At the head of the bone, which is located in the metacarpophalangeal joint.
- In the center of the bone.
As can be seen, despite the small size, the metacarpal bone during a fracture requires detailed study. Further motor abilities in the area of the hand will depend on proper treatment and recovery.
If we talk about a fracture with a displacement, then the doctors note that most often there is not a lateral, but an angular displacement of the bone. With lateral displacement of the metacarpal bone, an interposition of soft tissues often occurs, and such an injury is accompanied by other concomitant injuries.
Fracture symptoms
Symptoms of a metacarpal fracture are identical to those of most fractures:
- Sharp pain in the area of injury.
- Swelling and discoloration of the skin.
- Hematoma formation at the site of injury.
- Violation of the motor ability of the finger (partially or completely).
- Shortening of the little finger from the back of the hand may be observed.
Fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone will require a thorough diagnosis from the doctor. An x-ray must be performed in two planes, but MRI may often be needed to determine the level of damage not only to the bones, but also to the soft tissues.
In ambiguous cases, an x-ray of a healthy hand is taken to then compare the images and identify the main damage. At first glance, a fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone can be mistaken for a dislocation, which is why it is better to undergo an examination and not delay this issue.
Fracture Treatments
If a normal fracture occurred, without concomitant complications, then the treatment is performed according to the traditional method. A plaster cast is applied that limits unwanted hand movements.
Typically, gypsum is left on the arm for 4 to 6 weeks, so as not to risk and avoid repeated injury. After removing the bandage, the patient feels some stiffness in his movements, which is the absolute norm. It will take some time to develop and restore all the basic capabilities of the injured hand.
If a fracture with a displacement occurs, the doctor prescribes osteosynthesis, in other words, surgical intervention is necessary. During the operation, fragments of the fifth metacarpal bone are fixed using knitting needles, plates or screws (depends on the complexity of the fracture and the patient's capabilities).
Knitting needles and screws are also removed by surgical procedures, but the plate can be left in the hand if it does not cause pronounced discomfort. Otherwise, the plate is removed, but this happens at least a year after the first operation.
It is important to note that when applying gypsum, the hand remains motionless for a long time. After the operation, the motor abilities of the hand can return within a few days.
The type of treatment required is determined only by the attending physician, based on the patient examination data.
Recovery period after fracture
Any fracture requires a certain recovery period, so that the patient can feel the full motor capabilities of the injured area. Fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone is no exception in this matter.
For accelerated rehabilitation, the patient is prescribed a number of physiotherapeutic procedures and physical therapy exercises. The doctor may prescribe the use of special ointments and gels to quickly remove puffiness from the hand.
Among the useful exercises are the following:
- Sorting out small parts or croups, which allows you to restore fine motor skills of the fingers.
- Slow, rather, slowly squeezing and unclenching fingers into a fist.
- Slow circular motion with the hand.
With careful implementation of these exercises, as well as regular visits to medical recovery procedures, the rehabilitation period will pass unnoticed.