A boxer’s fracture is a break in the 5th metacarpal, the long bone connecting the hand to the little finger.
It most commonly occurs at the neck of the 5th metacarpal, just below the knuckle, and is often caused by punching with a closed fist.
Is this an emergency?
Open boxers fracture requires urgent medical assessment because the open wound increases the risk of infection and damage to surrounding structures.
Closed boxers’ fracture is generally not an emergency, but prompt assessment is recommended to determine the fracture alignment and appropriate treatment.
Please contact 1300HANDOC for advice and further instructions.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Difficulty moving or using hand
- Bruising
- Abnormal position or rotation of the little finger (crossing over or behind your ring finger)
- Sports injuries particularly boxing or martial arts
- Punching hard objects
- Falls onto a clenched fist
- Direct trauma or impact to hand
- History and mechanism of injury
- Clinical examination
- X ray
Treatment depends on whether the fracture is open or closed, as well as the location, displacement and alignment of the fracture. Treatment may include immobilisation with a splint or cast, reduction of the fracture, or surgery where required.
Please contact 1300HANDOC to discuss the treatment recommendations based on the injury.
1300 426 362