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    ORT053 Advice After A 5th Metacarpal Fracture

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    ORT053 Advice After A 5th Metacarpal Fracture

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    th3sunsl33ps
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    ORT053_Advice_after_a_5th_Metacarpal_Fracture

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    12 views3 pages

    ORT053 Advice After A 5th Metacarpal Fracture

    Uploaded by

    th3sunsl33ps

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 3

    Fracture Clinic Patient Information Leaflet

    th
    Advice after a 5
    Metacarpal Fracture
    The Injury
    A fracture is the same as a break in the bone. Your hand is made up of several
    small bones including five metacarpal bones that connect the fingers to the wrist.
    You have fractured the fifth metacarpal below the little finger. This is a common
    fracture.

    The common symptoms following this type


    of injury include:

     Pain straight after an injury


     Swelling
     Bruising
     Deformity at the site of injury
     Difficulty moving the hand and gripping

    What happens now?


    You may be put in a plaster cast or given a splint to support your finger, some
    people will have the injured finger strapped instead but this will depend on the type
    of fracture you have.

    These injuries normally heal by themselves with time but do occasionally need
    surgery. You will be given an appointment to return to the fracture clinic for follow
    up if needed.
    ADVICE AFTER A 5TH METACARPAL FRACTURE

    What should I do at home?


     Use over the counter pain killers as needed
     Elevate the injured hand on pillows when resting to help reduce swelling
     You can return to work or school as soon as pain allows and you can do your
    normal light duties. Avoid loading the hand heavily for six weeks.
     You should not drive whilst in a plaster cast
     You should avoid sport and games for at least six weeks after the injury

    How long will it take to heal?


    Most fractures heal without any problems in about eight weeks. However, it may
    take several months for your symptoms to settle completely. These can include
    pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength and swelling. Some people may
    notice a bump on the back of the hand where the fracture occurred but this
    shouldn’t affect hand function. The bones may take longer to heal if you suffer
    from diabetes or if you smoke.

    For advice on stopping smoking please visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree or discuss this


    with your GP.

    Exercises
    You should try to do these exercises three to four times a day; you can start these
    immediately.

    Date of publication January 2020 Ref: RUH ORT/053


    © Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust Page 2 of 3
    ADVICE AFTER A 5TH METACARPAL FRACTURE

    If you have any worries or concerns please contact one of the following:
    Virtual Fracture Clinic Helpline 01225 821668 or Fracture Clinic 01225 825602

    Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust


    Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG
    01225 428331 www.ruh.nhs.uk

    Please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) if you require this
    leaflet in a different format, or would like to feedback your experience of the
    hospital. Email [email protected] or telephone
    01225 825656 or 826319.

    Date of publication January 2020 Ref: RUH ORT/053


    © Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust Page 3 of 3

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