Hand fractures are breaks in the bones of your hand (metacarpals). The hand bones can break near the knuckle, mid-bone, or near the wrist. Fractures of the fifth bone (the one that leads to your little finger) are commonly known as "boxer's fractures."

Causes
Injuries are the most common cause of hand fractures.

Symptoms
Symptoms of a broken bone include swelling, tenderness, deformity, inability to move the finger, and a shortened finger. The knuckle may appear depressed and the damaged finger may cross over its neighbor when you make a partial fist.

Treatment
Most of the time, the physician can realign the bones by manipulating them without surgery. Then, a cast, splint or fracture-brace is applied to immobilize the bones and hold them in place. The cast will probably extend from the fingertips down past the wrist and close to the elbow to ensure that the hand bones remain fixed in place. Your physician will probably request a second set of X-rays about a week later to ensure that the bones remain in the proper position. You will usually have to wear the cast for three to four weeks, but you can probably begin gentle hand exercises after three weeks. Afterwards, the finger may be slightly shorter, but this should not affect your ability to use your hand and fingers.

Some hand fractures, such as those that break through the skin or result from a crushing accident, require surgery to stabilize and align the bones.