Fractured 5th Metacarpal

On this page

• What have I done?
• What should I expect?
• What should I do?
• What should I not do?
• Will I be followed up?
• What if I have concerns/questions?

What have I done?

• You have had a minor break in the bone near your knuckle

What should I expect?

• Your hand will have been placed in a cast by the ED staff
• Depending on the location of the fracture you may need to be in a cast for 4 to 6 weeks

What should I do?

• Take regular pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as needed
• Keep your plaster cast dry at all times by putting a plastic bag over your cast and securing it with tape before showering. A wet cast will get soggy and fall apart

What should I not do?

• We discourage smoking as this may delay bone healing
• Avoid heavy lifting with your affected hand while injured

Will I be followed up?

• Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave ED and you will be contacted regarding a date and time

What if I have concerns/questions?

• If your injury is not settling or you are worried about how it is healing, please see your GP - take your ACC form/number with you
• Please seek medical attention if you experience the following:
  • Increasing pain in the hand
  • Numbness or tingling in the hand
  • Your fingers go cold or turn blue white, in comparison to the other hand
  • You are unable to move your fingers