The metacarpal fracture is a rupture of one or more metacarpal bones and is very common among people who practice boxing. Metacarpal fracture is most often caused by a direct impact on the joint.

The metacarpus is the intermediate part of the skeleton of the hand, located between the phalanges (the bones of the fingers) and the carpus (consisting of eight bones that connect with the forearm). The metacarpus consists of five metacarpal bones, one for each finger with the form of long, thin rods and are very sensitive, being often prone to fractures.

Metacarpal bones can fracture in any place along their length or at the level of their ends. One type of metacarpal fracture is the boxer fracture, which occurs at the neck of the metacarpal bone closest to the end that forms the joint. The boxer's fracture usually involves the metacarpal V bone, but it can also occur in metacarpals II-IV.

Other types of fractures of the metacarpal bones were referred to as Bennett and Rolando's fractures and involve the first metacarpal bone. Bennett's fracture occurs at the base of the first metacarpal where it articulates with the carpal bones. In Rolando's fracture, the same metacarpal base is fractured, but it is a Y-shaped fracture that leads to a common fracture (the bone fractured into several small pieces).

Metacarpal fractures are most often the result of direct trauma, such as hitting an object with a tight fist or during a fall on the bike with the hand wrapped around the bike or a fall on the thumb.

The most common metacarpal fracture is manifested with pain, sensitivity and swelling of the affected area. Also, the movement in the joint and the grip power of the fingers are limited.

To treat metacarpal fractures are used both traditional, non-surgical treatments and surgical interventions, depending on the fracture, this:

1. In the case of fractures without displacement (without discontinuity of the bone) or in the case of fractures with displacement but stable, the immobilization of the fractured area in a gypsum splint for 4-6 weeks is in order.

2. In the fractures with displacement (with discontinuity of the bone) and unstable or if tendons or ligaments are also injured, surgery is mandatory followed by a period of immobilization of the operated area in a gypsum splint or orthosis.

3. Physical therapy
Specific exercise programs are one of the most important aspects of the healing process, both in the case of operated and unoperated fractures.
The exercise program aims:

✓ To reduce stiffness after immobilization
✓ To regain the complete mobility of the hand
✓ To resume the full range of movements at the level of the hand
✓ To increase the strength of the intrinsic muscles of the hand, muscles that transmit precise movements to the fingers
✓ To prevent relapses.