Understanding a Boxer’s Fracture of the Hand

Although a number of fractures can affect the bones in the fingers and hands, the boxer’s fracture makes up 10% of all hand fractures. With prompt treatment, boxer’s fractures have a good prognosis, but fractures of the hands are inconvenient and take time to heal.

What is a Boxer’s Fracture?

A boxer’s fracture is a break in the fifth metacarpal bone, one of the bones between the finger bones and the bones of the wrist. The break is in the neck of the bone, just below the fifth or pinky finger. The fracture gets its name because it’s a common injury for boxers. However, it can happen in various ways and also occurs among people who play other contact sports.

Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Causes of Boxer Fractures

When boxers punch, they do so with a clenched fist. The positioning of the fist and the force of the punch are what causes the bone in the pinky to fracture or break. It’s possible to sustain a boxer’s fracture from punching any hard surface or falling on a clenched fist. The neck of the fifth metacarpal bone is one of the weakest points in the hand, making this a common fracture site. It’s also possible to sustain a Boxer’s fracture playing contact sports if the hand collides with an object or person with force, such as physically blocking an opponent in football.

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Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Risk Factors

Athletes, particularly boxers, have a high risk of developing a boxer’s fracture, but even those who play contact sports recreationally can experience this break. A previous injury to the bones in the hand or weak bones due to osteoporosis or an injury also increases the risk of sustaining this type of fracture.

Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Symptoms of a Boxers Fracture

The most common symptom of a boxer’s fracture is pain or swelling at the base of the fifth finger. The finger may be hard to move and bent or misaligned. There could be crunching, popping, or snapping sounds during movement, and bruising and discoloration at the site of the fracture. If the nerves are involved, there may be numbness or tingling.

Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Diagnosis of a Boxer’s Fracture

Physical examination to look at range-of-motion of the hand and fingers and for visible signs of bruising is the first step in diagnosing a boxer’s fracture. A boxer’s fracture is sometimes hard to spot on a standard x-ray, so the practitioner may order multiple images from different angles to make the break easier to detect.

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Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Treatment of a Boxer’s Fracture

The treatment of a boxer’s fracture is usually a cast or a splint to keep the hand immobile until the fracture can heal. Medications can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Keep the hand elevated above the heart to reduce swelling. If the bone is out of alignment, surgery may be necessary for complete healing to occur. Some doctors refer their patient to an orthopedist, a specialist who deals with bone abnormalities, for a follow-up, to ensure the fracture heals properly.

Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Home Therapy for a Boxer’s Fracture

The standard therapy for a Boxer’s fracture is a cast or splint to support the hand and reduce movement. Home therapy may include applying ice to relieve swelling and ease the pain. Watch for signs of discoloration and bruising and report any symptoms that occur, especially numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the fingers.

Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

The prognosis for a Boxer’s Fracture

If treated early, boxer’s fractures have a good prognosis. Immobilization of the hand helps promote proper healing and lowers the risk of complications. Delaying treatment decreases the likelihood of the fracture healing properly and can lead to longer-term complications.

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Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Complications

Complications may occur with a Boxer’s fracture if the fracture goes untreated or if treatment is delayed. Inadequate or delayed treatment can cause the bone to heal in an abnormal manner that restricts full use of the hand. If there’s abnormal healing, the finger or hand may look mishappen and it may be hard to grasp and hold things. Prompt medical attention and treatment reduce the odds of this outcome.

Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

Preventing Boxer’s Fractures

The best way for boxers to avoid a boxer fracture is to learn how to punch properly. If the fourth or fifth fingers make the initial contact or sustain the disproportionate force, the risk of fracture is higher. Wearing boxing gloves while training helps protect the hands. Also, maintaining healthy bones and avoiding bone loss lowers the risk of bone fractures in general.

Understanding a Boxer's Fracture of the Hand

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