Boxer's fracture

A boxer's fracture is the break of the 5th metacarpal bones of the hand near the knuckle. Occasionally it is used to refer to fractures of the 4th metacarpal as well. Symptoms include pain and a depressed knuckle. A boxer's fracture is the break of the 5th metacarpal bones of the hand near the knuckle. Occasionally it is used to refer to fractures of the 4th metacarpal as well. Symptoms include pain and a depressed knuckle. Classically, it occurs after a person hits an object with a closed fist. The knuckle is then bent towards the palm of the hand. Diagnosis is generally suspected based on symptoms and confirmed with X-rays. For most fractures with less than 70 degrees of angulation, buddy taping and a tensor bandage resulted in similar outcomes to reduction with splinting. In those with more than 70 degrees of angulation or in which the broken finger is rotated, reduction and splitting may be recommended. They represent about a fifth of hand fractures. They occur more commonly in males than females. Both short and long term outcomes are generally good. The knuckle, however, typically remains somewhat deformed.