Boxer Fracture Treatment in NYC - Manhattan PT

If you are experiencing the pain and complications of a boxer fracture, don’t worry—help is available nearby. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, our experienced staff is fully equipped to provide expert advice and the best treatment techniques for boxer fractures. We aim to relieve your pain and strengthen your muscles, tailoring our services to meet your specific needs and support your recovery.

Contact us at (680)-208-3884 to schedule an appointment and begin your healing journey. Our goal is to help you return to the activities you enjoy as quickly and safely as possible.

Causes of Boxer Fracture

Boxer fractures are most commonly caused by direct trauma, which typically occurs during physical altercations, sports activities, or accidental impacts with hard surfaces. Falling onto an outstretched hand can also result in a boxer fracture, especially if the impact is forceful. Additionally, repetitive stress or trauma to the hand, such as in certain sports or occupational activities, can weaken the metacarpal bones and lead to fractures.

Symptoms of Boxer Fracture

Recognizing the symptoms of a boxer fracture is crucial for timely and effective treatment. Common symptoms include severe pain and tenderness in the affected area, especially when trying to move the hand or fingers. Swelling and discoloration around the fracture site are also typical. A visible deformity or misalignment of the knuckle, often resulting in a depressed or "sunken" appearance, is another key indicator. Patients may experience a limited range of motion, with difficulty moving the fingers or hand due to pain and swelling. Numbness or tingling in the affected hand, which may indicate nerve involvement, can also be present.

Diagnosis of Boxer Fracture

Accurate diagnosis of a boxer fracture is essential for appropriate treatment planning. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, our diagnostic process includes a thorough physical examination of the hand to assess pain, swelling, deformity, and range of motion. The examination may involve palpating the affected area to identify the exact location of the fracture. A detailed medical history is taken to understand the cause of the injury and any previous hand injuries or conditions. X-rays are the primary imaging modality used to confirm the diagnosis of a boxer fracture, as they help visualize the fracture's location, type, and severity. In some cases, additional imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs may be required for a more detailed evaluation.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For many boxer fractures, especially those that are non-displaced, non-surgical treatments can effectively promote healing and restore function. The main components of non-surgical treatment include:

1. Immobilization: Immobilization is the cornerstone of non-surgical treatment for boxer fractures. A splint or cast is used to keep the bone in place and allow it to heal properly. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, immobilization typically lasts between 3 to 6 weeks. This period ensures that the bone fragments remain aligned and can fuse correctly.

2. Pain Management: Managing pain is crucial for patient comfort and compliance with treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are commonly recommended to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. In cases of severe pain, prescription medications may be necessary. Additionally, topical analgesics can be used to provide localized pain relief.

3. Cold Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain, particularly in the initial stages of the injury. Cold therapy should be applied for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours during the first 48-72 hours post-injury.

4. Elevation: Keeping the injured hand elevated above heart level can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Elevation helps to minimize fluid accumulation in the tissues, thereby reducing pain and swelling.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe boxer fractures, such as those with significant displacement, angulation, or rotation. Surgery aims to realign and stabilize the fractured bone to ensure proper healing.

1. Indications for Surgery:        

Surgery is indicated for fractures that are displaced, have significant angulation or rotation, or when non-surgical treatments fail to achieve satisfactory alignment. Additionally, fractures involving the joint surface or those that are unstable may require surgical intervention.

2. Surgical Procedures:

• Closed Reduction and Pinning: This procedure involves realigning the fractured bone fragments without making a large incision. Pins are then inserted through the skin to hold the bone fragments in place.

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): ORIF involves making an incision to directly visualize and realign the fractured bone fragments. The fragments are then stabilized using screws, plates, or wires.

• Intramedullary Nailing: This technique involves inserting a metal rod into the marrow cavity of the bone to provide internal support and alignment.

3. Post-Surgical Care:

• Immobilization: Following surgery, the hand is typically immobilized in a splint or cast for a few weeks to ensure proper healing. The duration of immobilization depends on the specific surgical procedure and the patient's healing progress.

• Physical Therapy: Post-surgical rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Physical therapy usually begins with gentle mobilization exercises and progresses to more intensive strengthening and conditioning exercises.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation is a cornerstone of boxer fracture treatment at Manhattan Physical Therapy. Our specialized rehabilitation programs are designed to facilitate optimal recovery, restore hand function, and prevent complications.

1. Early Mobilization:

• Range of Motion Exercises: Once the initial healing phase is complete, early mobilization exercises are initiated to prevent stiffness and maintain the range of motion. Gentle exercises and stretches help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of joint contractures.

2. Strengthening Exercises:

• Progressive Resistance Training: Progressive strengthening exercises are introduced to restore muscle strength and enhance hand function. These exercises target the muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm, gradually increasing in intensity as healing progresses.

3. Hand Therapy:

• Fine Motor Skills: Hand therapy focuses on improving fine motor skills, dexterity, and coordination. It includes activities such as grip strengthening, finger exercises, and functional tasks designed to restore the hand's ability to perform everyday activities.

4. Edema Management:

• Swelling Reduction Techniques: Techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and therapeutic taping are used to manage swelling and promote fluid drainage. These methods help reduce edema and enhance the healing process.

5. Scar Management:

• Post-Surgical Care: If surgery is performed, scar management techniques are employed to minimize scar tissue formation and improve tissue mobility. These techniques may include massage, silicone gel sheets, and specific stretching exercises.

6. Education and Ergonomics:

• Patient Education: Patients are educated on proper hand care, ergonomics, and techniques to prevent future injuries. This includes advice on hand positioning, protective gear, and safe practices during sports or activities. Education aims to empower patients with the knowledge and skills to avoid re-injury and maintain hand health.

Conclusion

At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we understand the impact that the boxer fracture can have on your life and are dedicated to helping our patients get the care they need. An important aspect of our treatment process is the team approach with professional diagnostics, and progressive therapy, together with the development of individual rehabilitation programs to guarantee positive outcomes. If you or your loved one has a boxer fracture, we will help to choose the correct type of treatment and recover quickly. Call or message us now to learn more about your condition and how to get back to perfect health.