What is a Boxer’s Fracture?

What Causes a Boxer's Fracture?

Hitting a hard surface with a closed fist transfers force to the neck of the fifth metacarpal. The broken segment may angle toward the palm and cause the little finger to rotate. A fall or a hand caught in an object can produce a similar injury.

Symptoms

• Rapid swelling and bruising around the little-finger knuckle
• Marked tenderness along the outer edge of the hand
• A sunken appearance of the fifth knuckle when making a fist
• Pain with little-finger motion or overlap with adjacent fingers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a boxer's fracture heal without surgery?

Fractures that remain aligned and do not disturb finger rotation often heal in a splint. Rotation, joint involvement, marked angulation or threatened skin may require reduction and fixation. Hand rehabilitation helps limit stiffness during recovery.