Metacarpal Fracture
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Accident Lawyer. There is a myriad of traumatic injuries that someone can sustain in a motor vehicle accident. An example is a hand fracture called a metacarpal fracture.
What is a Metacarpal Fracture?
This bone fracture occurs in the hand, which is made up of many different small bones. The metacarpals are the bases of the fingers that connect the fingers to the small bones of the hand. Metacarpals are linear bones that are shaped like the phalanxes but appear to be in the palm of the hand to the outside observer. Fractures in these bones are termed metacarpal fractures.
Mechanism of Injury
There are many different ways that someone can fracture their metacarpal. A fall on an outstretched hand can lead to this injury as can a crush injury from a heavy object, such as machinery. In an auto accident, someone could smash their hand against the steering wheel or against the door, leading to fractures of the metacarpals that merit expert attention.
Treatment of a Metacarpal Fracture
Whether someone has injured their metacarpal in a bicycle accident or through a pedestrian injury, treatment will always start with a diagnosis. This will involve an x-ray to look at the injury site. Then, the physician will decide whether or not the fracture has been displaced. If it has been displaced, most can be put back in place with a closed reduction. Then, bones will be held in place using a splint or compressive wrap.
Complications Can Happen
Complications can occur in this injury, leading to several comorbidities that primarily develop from a delay in diagnosis. Many patients do not realize that they have fractured their metacarpal until sometime later. This delay in diagnosis can lead to tissue damage, chronic pain, or a delay in the healing process that requires further attention from physicians.
Damage to Other Structures
If fragments of the bone have broken off, they could damage other structures in the area. Depending on which metacarpal has been fractured, the median nerve and ulnar nerve could be at risk. Damage to these nerves can compromise the motor and sensory function of the hand and wrist.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnoses for someone with a metacarpal fracture include:
- Gamekeeper’s Thumb
- Boxer’s Fracture
- Bennett’s Fracture
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint dislocation
- Fractures in the proximal or distal phalanx
Prognosis of the Fracture
Most patients with a metacarpal fracture do not even require a cast for the injury to heal. Most patients make a full recovery in a relatively short period of time. Every patient’s prognosis is still handled on a case by case basis.
Surgery is Rarely Necessary
Even if the metacarpal has been dislocated, most can be reduced using a closed manner (not requiring surgery). There are some patients who will require an open surgical reduction if the bones are grossly out of place.
Contact a Caring Hand Fracture Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Accident Lawyer. If you have suffered an injury in an accident due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence, please call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for some free, friendly advice. I have been helping people recover a fair and just compensation for their personal injuries from more than 3 decades.
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