Izzo

media type="custom" key="6257053" align="center" =__**Boxer's Fracture**__=

A boxer's fracture is a break in the bones that form the knuckles. It is more commonly called a "brawler's" fracture because a boxer is not likely to get this type of injury. The reason is due to the untrained punch of the brawler as opposed to the boxer. A brawler's fracture involves the break in the neck of a metacarpal, usually the fourth or fifth, caused by punching an object with great force. The most common metacarpal broken is the one over the little finger, which is the most likely to break when punching an immovable object.**
 * __Overview:__

__**Anatomy:**__
 * The metacarpals connect the bones in the finger, or philanges, to the bones in the wrist, or carpals. There are 5 metacarpal bones, one to each finger. Each consists of a base, a shaft, a neck and a head. The shaft of the metacarpal bone is the long slender part of it. The head of the bone forms the knuckle of an enclosed fist. The neck connects the shaft to the head and is where the break usually occurs.**



__**Signs and Symptoms:**__


 * There is usually some swelling, bruising, or discoloration around the injury site. After the injury occurs, the affected area may feel numb or may be difficult to move. In a particular instance, a person who had just punched a locker could barely tie his shoes.** **Pain may result from pressing on the area. If you make a fist with the incident hand, you or your doctor may notice a misalignment of the finger where the fracture is located.

__Management, Treatment, and Rehab__

If you believe you have a boxer's fracture go to an orthopedist for an x-ray. He should be able to tell right away if there is a fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, a cast is usually put on the affected hand and wrist for about three weeks.Over this time period, the cast becomes uncomfortable and removes most of the dermis over the area it is on. After the cast comes off, simple tasks such as grabbing things or even just opening and closing your hand can get everything back in working order.

__WORKS CITED__ Boxer's Fracture. (n.d.). //eMedicineHealth - experts in everyday emergencies, first aid and health information//. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/boxers_fracture/article_em.htm

Other Info on this injury provided by Nick Izzo (myself) as i have had this injury.**