Hand Therapy – Metacarpal Fractures

What is Metacarpal Fracture?

There are 5 metacarpal bones in the hand. The fractures can occur at different sites along the metacarpal as shown in the picture below.

Common causes include falls, sports and hitting an object with a clenched fist. Any one of the metacarpal bones can be fractured and sometimes more than one can be fractured.

What are the symptoms?

Most patients will have pain, swelling, bruising and loss of movement. The hand may also appear deformed and the knuckle of your broken finger may change shape. This is permanent and a common side effect of this type of injury.

You may also notice a bump over the back of the hand where the fracture occurred. This is soft bone produced during the healing process. The effect and the size of the bump tend to reduce after several months.

How will my fracture be treated?

Treatment may vary depending on the location of the fracture. Usually, the head, neck and shaft fractures can be treated by strapping the injured finger to the finger next to it (buddy strapping). This may be done using a tape or you may be supplied with a soft splint, called a Bedford Splint. You will need to wear this for 3 weeks. This protects the healing bone and will also allow early movement.

Occasionally, the base and shaft metacarpal fractures may require a cast to be applied to your hand. This is usually in place for three weeks but will still allow movements of the fingers.

Can I use my hand?

For the first three weeks, the hand should only be used for light tasks. The bone will not be strong enough for heavy tasks or non-contact sports until six weeks. Contact sports, particularly boxing, should be avoided until 12 weeks after the injury.

Wil I need to do any special exercises?

It is important to start exercising the fingers straight away, even if this is uncomfortable, this will help to prevent stiffness and reduce swelling. There are also important structures that lie close to your hand fracture. One of these are the tendons that bend and straighten your fingers. If you do not move your injured finger, the tendons can be come stuck to the bone, reducing overall movement.

The exercises below should be carried out 4 to 5 times a day. They are to increase your range of movement in your finger and will reduce the risk of stiffness or loss of function.

The exercises

Start with fingers straight. Keeping your knuckles straight, bend your fingers to make a hook fist. Then from this position, roll your fingers into your palm to make a full fist. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Start with your fingers straight. Bend your knuckles, keeping the finger straight. Then bend your middle knuckles so that your finger tips touch your palm. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Contact Details

Please contact Hand Therapy if you have any concerns or questions.

Contact details are:

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

North Tees Site:

Hand Therapy Team

Telephone: 01429 522471

Monday to Friday, 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

First Floor, North Wing

University Hospital of North Tees

Hardwick Road

Stockton – On – Tees

TS19 8PE

OR

Hartlepool Site:

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

Holdforth Road

Hartlepool

TS24 9AH

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]