Suggest Treatment For Fracture Of The Metacarpal Bones Of The Hand

Posted on Wed, 10 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 May 2017 Answered on

Wed, 31 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My son called and told me he has a boxer fracture, was seen by an orthopedic surgeon after an urgent care visit, and was told he has 47 degree angulation..Surgeon said he could do conservative treatment with soft cast since its < 50% . Or do minor surgery and place a wire. Reading on line leads me to conclude that conservative treatment would be fine since its his 5th metacarpal. Your advice?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
What's his intended profession?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The general guiding principle is that if he has any plans of a profession that requires great dexterity of the fingers, I will go with surgery as this offers the greatest guarantee. If this isn't the case, I will prefer conservative over surgery.

I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy