The splint that is best for 5th metacarpal fracture is an ulnar gutter splint and post reduction films should also be taken to assess for adequate reduction.
The long term effects of a broken 5th metacarpal are the inability to grip or hold onto things in the affected hand, a permanently crooked finger and decreased range of motion in the injured finger.
If the metacarpal fracture is displaced or if the fracture pattern is unstable it is likely that surgery will be recommended.
If you need surgery it is best that this be performed within 2 weeks of your fracture.
Displaced fractures are likely to heal with shortening, or angulation, or rotation.
Metacarpal surgery costs between $2,473.00 to as much as $12,964.00
Metacarpal surgery includes making an incision over the fracture, followed by alignment and fixation of the fractured bone using plates and screws.
After surgery, the incision is sutured and covered with a splint.
Healing of the bone may take 6 weeks whereas complete recovery needs a few months.
Carpal tunneling is a neurological disorder which occurs when your median nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm of your hand becomes pressed or squeezed at your wrist.
With carpal tunnel syndrome you usually feel numbness, pain and weakness in the hand and your wrist and your fingers may also become swollen and useless.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually isn't serious.
With treatment, the pain will typically go away and you'll have no lasting damage to your hand or wrist.
Nerve damage in hands is most always permanent although treatment is available and sometimes nerve damage can be treated with surgery.
Sometimes the nerve is bruised, and may heal on its own in time.
However, if a nerve is cut or crushed, it may need surgical treatment in order to help improve or restore function to the hand or arm.
Sometimes, certain illnesses can affect nerves and cause similar symptoms in the upper extremity.
If the nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks.
A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of 'rest' following your injury.
Some people notice continued improvement over many months.
In order to find out, conclusively, if your nerves are damaged, you need to see a neurologist.
They will perform tests to determine the health of your muscles and nerves.
If there is a problem, the doctor will explain the reason for the damage and its extent.
They will follow up by devising a treatment plan.
Nerves recover slowly, and maximal recovery may take many months or several years.
You'll also need regular checkups to make sure your recovery stays on track.
If your injury is caused by a medical condition, your doctor will treat the underlying condition.
Some things you can do to fix nerve damage in your hands at home include.
Splinting: Wearing a special splint for your thumb or affected finger can help in certain cases.
Resting: Many nerve pain conditions resolve on their own.
Heat and cold: Alternating heating and icing of the affected area promotes blood flow and can help manage inflammation and other symptoms.
Treatment options for nerve damage typically focus on pain relief and treating the underlying cause.
However, studies show that exercise can effectively preserve nerve function and promote nerve regeneration.
At first, neuropathy may cause occasional numbness and pain, but as it progresses, your symptoms may become more persistent.
The pain may reach a high point before reaching a state of constant numbness.
Once your nerves become too damaged, they can't send signals to your brain.