Dr. Umpierrez Breaks Down What Is A Boxer’s Fracture

Boxer’s fractures are one of the more common and easily diagnosed finger injuries seen by Dr. Erica Umpierrez,  Orthopaedic Surgeon and Hand/Upper Extremity specialist with CMC Orthopaedics.  

Despite the name, this form of trauma is not reserved for professional or amateur fighters.  Dr. Umpierrez helps us break down this injury and how it is treated.

Tell Me Again How You “Fell”

It’s not surprising that the name Boxer’s fracture comes from the action that caused it in the first place.  This type of injury is the result of punching another person or something hard and unforgiving like a wall or refrigerator. 

“When a person presents with one of these, you just have to ask what happened?,” Dr. Umpierrez said, smiling. “There are some crazy stories with them but fortunately these injuries are very treatable and usually non-operative.”

According to Dr. Umpierrez, men and teenage boys are more commonly affected by this type of injury and it is usually the result of a split-second decision. 

“During the incident, they will often hear a pop or snap that is quickly followed by pain and swelling.  This happened because they punched leading with their small finger and the force was great enough to break the head of their metacarpal,” explained Dr. Umpierrez.

How Do I Know If I Have a Boxer’s Fracture?

Because of the type of fracture, Dr. Umpierrez said patients will almost immediately know that something is wrong.  They may experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Pain in the hand
• Swelling
• Bruising 
• Curvature or other deformities of the finger
• Difficulty moving one or more fingers
• Inability or difficulty gripping or closing their hand

How Is a Boxer’s Fracture Treated at CMC Orthopaedics?

X-rays will be done to assess the area and severity of the break. 

“We’ll probably put you in a splint for comfort,” said Dr. Umpierrez, “and then honestly they heal really great.  And even if they’re not in the perfect position, it’s a finger that our body adapts to, so your knuckle might not look perfect anymore, but it will heal and continue to be a functional finger.”  

Like any other bone break, there will be a period of time where resting and icing the hand will be necessary.  To alleviate pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may be adequate.

Surgery will typically only be required in severe cases and sometimes with repeated injuries.  If bones are not healing correctly, surgery may be necessary, but patients who follow protocols do not typically have issues and can fully heal without major complications. 

“That can be a huge relief for most patients,” said Dr. Umpierrez, “because at the time when you decided to take that punch, you weren’t thinking about the long-term effects, but at least you don’t have to have horrible consequences from it.”

What Can I Do To Avoid a Boxer’s Fracture?

That’s simple according to Dr. Umpierrez. 

“Don’t punch anything! But if you do, come see me and I’ll take care of you while you tell me a good story.”

In addition, you should wear protective equipment when participating in sports that pose a risk of hand injuries.

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the basics about what is a boxer’s fracture, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this condition.

How Long Does It Take a Boxer’s Fracture to Heal?

Fortunately, as mentioned earlier, a boxer’s fracture typically heals without surgery, unless the break is severe or there are other complications. While healing times can vary by individual, it generally takes about three to four weeks for the fracture to heal. Sometimes it may take up to eight weeks for the affected area to regain its range of motion and strength.

What Are The Long-Term Effects of a Boxer’s Fracture?

Typically, most patients recover completely from a boxer’s fracture with few long-term complications. However, if your injury is so severe it requires surgery, you may experience joint stiffness and weakened grip. Physical therapy can help improve your injured finger’s range of motion and help prevent stiffness.  

In certain cases, you could experience a malunion fracture (a bone that heals abnormally) or a nonunion fracture (where a broken bone doesn’t heal properly). If this applies to you, our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Myrtle Beach and Horry County are ready to help you with regionally-recognized quality care. 

Is There Anything I Can Do To Help Speed Up the Fracture Healing Process?

Quite simply, the best thing you can do to help ensure a speedy recovery is to follow the instructions of our experts at CMC Orthopaedics. We’ve helped thousands of Horry County area residents return to the activities they love, whether they needed a knee replacement or were having difficulty with hand pain. 

However, we would like to share a few tips that can help maximize your recovery:

Wear Your Splint

If we’ve splinted your finger, be sure to wear the splint according to our instructions. This is vital because immobilization keeps your bone fragments in place. This is essential for a full recovery.

Nutrition

Eating a healthy diet is good for any health condition, but it provides nutrients your body needs to complete the healing process.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking affects your circulation, reducing blood flow to the affected areas. This impedes the healing process.

Physical Therapy

If you’re a candidate for physical therapy, you’ll find that these exercises will help you make steady progress. Your physical therapist may have assigned “homework,” exercises you are supposed to do at home between sessions. It’s very important to follow through and complete them. 

 In Need of a Hand and Upper Extremity Expert?

Don’t let hand or wrist pain keep you from your everyday activities. Contact Dr. Erica Umpierrez with CMC Orthopaedics at 843-347-8041 or request an appointment today. She would consider it a privilege to care for you. 

 

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.