What type of splint is used for a metacarpal fracture?
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What type of splint is used for a metacarpal fracture?
A gutter splint or cast should be used to immobilize a metacarpal fracture. This is often definitive management for fractures that meet acceptable radiographic parameters. A gutter splint may be modified based on the location of the injured finger.
How do you treat a fractured metacarpal?
Metacarpal fractures usually take about six to eight weeks to heal. You’ll probably have to wear a splint as part of your treatment. It covers part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist, and you’ll most likely wear it for around three weeks. You may also undergo physical therapy.
How do you splint a 5th metacarpal fracture?
Immobilization of most metacarpal fractures follows a few simple guidelines, including the following:
- Fracture splints should be forearm-based and should allow for motion of the interphalangeal (IP) joints.
- Splints should extend over the dorsal and palmar aspect of the entire metacarpal being treated.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken metacarpal?
Treatment options
- applying ice to the hand.
- using a splint to hold it stable while it heals.
- not using your hand for a period of time.
- keeping your hand above heart level.
- taking prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, depending on the amount of pain.
- cleaning and treating any wounds on the skin of the injured hand.
Can a broken metatarsal heal without a cast?
The the long bones in your foot are called metatarsals. They are numbered from 1 to 5. This fracture is at the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is where the name comes from. The break has occurred in a part of the bone that normally heals without a problem, so you won’t need to have a plaster cast.
How do you tell if your metatarsals are broken?
You may hear a sound at the time of the break. “Pinpoint pain” (pain at the place of impact) at the time the fracture occurs and perhaps for a few hours later, but often the pain goes away after several hours. Crooked or abnormal appearance of the toe. Bruising and swelling the next day.
Which position is best for metacarpal bone fracture?
Most commonly, metacarpal fractures have apex dorsal angulation. Most authors recommend nonoperative management for up to 40°–50° of apex dorsal angulation in the small finger, 30° at the ring finger, 20° at the middle finger, and 15° at the index finger [8, 12].
Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 3 weeks?
Your doctor may have put your foot in a cast or splint to keep it stable. You may have been given crutches to use to keep weight off your foot. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely, so that you do not hurt it again.
Can a broken metatarsal heal on its own?
Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely. Occasionally the fracture may fail to heal and will continue to be painful, even after several months. If this happens, you may need an operation to help heal the fracture.
What do doctors do for a broken metatarsal?
Most metatarsal fractures can be treated without surgery. A stiff soled shoe, walking boot, or even a cast may be used. The amount of pressure you are able to put on your foot will depend on which bones are broken. Your treating physician will decide this.
How do you wrap a metatarsal injury?
Begin wrapping at the top of the arch and proceed around the outside of the foot. Repeat this process 3 times. Continue to wrap once around the big toe, pulling the toe slightly out and down. Continue wrapping around the remainder of the foot, keeping the bandage comfortably snug.
