HAND THERAPY TREATMENT

Metacarpal Fracture TREATMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you’ve injured or are experiencing pain in the fingertip with a fracture, swelling and bruising, you’ve come to the right place.

REFERRAL

•Within 24 hours
•Urgent care required

IMAGING

Suggestion:
•XRAY – gold standard metacarpal fracture diagnosis •CT or MRI for further tissue damage or multiple injuries

MANAGEMENT

Hand based metacarpal gutter water proof water proof orthosis OR Anti swan neck active range of motion, 6 weeks splinting followed by intrinsic strengthening.

WHAT IS METACARPAL FRACTURE?

The metacarpal bones are the long slender bones which connect your wrist to your fingers and are roughly at the level of your palm. There is one metacarpal for each finger. Fractures of the hand are the most common fractures of the human skeleton. Metacarpal fractures account for 18% to 44% of all of hand fractures.

Most fractures are due to either accidental falls or direct blows to another object or individual, with small-finger neck fractures and ring-finger shaft fractures among the most common metacarpal fractures. As with any hand fracture, the primary goals are to achieve anatomic and stable reduction, bony union, and early mobilisation to minimise disability.

Interesting fact:
Metacarpal fractures are often referred to as a ‘boxer’s fracture’ due to its prevalence in boxers or athletes of other sports or activities.

METACARPAL FRACTURES DIAGNOSIS & SYMPTOMS

Most causes of metacarpal fracture involve trauma to the hand that are caused by punching objects with a closed fist (most commonly Boxer’s Fracture). Otherwise it can often occur from blunt force trauma (vehicle accident, direct blow to the hand, work injury) or crush injuries to the hand resulting in multiple metacarpal fractures.

Metacarpal fractures can result in deformities including; malrotation, angulation, and shortening. Complications can also result with a decreased range of motion, infection or nonunion.

Swelling

Pain and tenderness over hand

Bone or joint that is clearly deformed or broken

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treating metacarpal fractures.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

METACARPAL FRACTURE TREATMENT

With suspected metacarpal fractures, it’s best to seek urgent treatment as the results of delayed treatment can lead to further complications. In some instances surgery may be required, and in most cases this is best done as soon as the injury has been assessed. Once an Action Rehab The Hands Physio team member has assessed the injury and if they have determined it’s a non-operative injury, a hand-based or wrist and hand-based splint would usually be recommending depending on the injury after assessment. Our Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists at Action Rehab The Hands Physio will fabricate a guard for transitioning back to sport if required.

This breathable and waterproof custom-made fingertip brace by Action Rehab is fitted to a mallet finger injury which has a small fracture or break.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, we fabricate custom mallet anti-swan neck splints that are water resistant, breathable and lightweigt.

See below the incorrect and correct treatment for a patient who has tendon mallet finger.

Conservative Approach

Action Rehab Hands Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist will fabricate a custom thermoplastic splint which will allow for healing and union of the fracture, followed by an array of ranging and stability exercises. The primary goals of treatment are to achieve acceptable alignment, stable reduction, strong bony union, and unrestricted motion.

Surgical Approach

Open reduction or internal fixation (surgery) by an orthopaedic surgeon. Following surgery, you will be placed into a custom Thermoplastic splint fabricated by the hand therapist at Action Rehab, and an exercise program will begin.

Fig 1: Basic Treatment

An off-the-shelf splint is being used to treat a metacarpal fracture. It does not hold the metacarpal in a stable position leading to possible complications.

Fig 2: Action Rehab Treatment

Your Action Rehab hand therapist will fabricate a custom thermoplastic splint which will allow for healing and union of the fracture, followed by an array of ranging and stability exercises. The primary goals of treatment are to achieve acceptable alignment, stable reduction, strong bony union, and unrestricted motion.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR METACARPAL FRACTURES

Metacarpal Fracture is a complex condition and can lead to serious complications and frustrations if not treated appropriately.

Choosing the right Hand Therapist starts with them being able to assess your injury, read your X-rays or Ultrasound and then educate and/or fabricate the right brace for you and your injury. The Hand Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing Jersey Finger and other tendon injuries, reading X-rays, reading Ultrasounds and advising on the most appropriate treatment.

Our therapists regularly host GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Jersey Finger treatment.

Known for providing Hand Therapy treatment for Mallet Finger and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder tendon injuries Action Rehab The Hands Physio are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.

METACARPAL FRACTURE FAQs

How common is Metacarpal Fractures?

Metacarpal Fracture are the most common hand injury. Metacarpal Fracture is a common sports related injury and Action Rehab are experts in sports trauma.

How are Metacarpal Fractures caused?

Metacarpal fractures are caused by a blunt force such as a punch or a compression of the hand during trauma. Metacarpal fractures are often referred to as a ‘boxer’s fracture’ due to this mechanism of injury.

How long does it take to recover?

Metacarpal fracture takes about 6-8 weeks to recover but depending on the type of fracture it may be shorter. Early treatment of your Metacarpal fracture will shorten the time taken to recover.

Will it require surgery?

Metacarpal Fractures generally do not require surgery, and in some cases surgery can worsen the condition. Action Rehab therapists can assess the X-ray and can advise if your Metacarpal Fracture needs surgery and refer you immediately to our network of Upper Limb Specialist Surgeons.

Is it a serious condition?

Metacarpal Fractures are a serious and complicated injury that need to be treated by a qualified Hand Therapist at Action Rehab The Hands Physio.