Orthopaedic Surgery - Virtual Fracture Clinic - Hand (5th Metacarpal) Fracture

This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).

The following advice will guide you through the next 6 weeks of your recovery.

Use the information below to gain a better understanding or your injury and what can be done to improve and maximise your recovery.

Discharge advice

You have been diagnosed with a fracture (break) to the head/ neck of your 5th Metacarpal. The fracture is minor but will be painful. These usually start to settle down after 3 to 4 weeks.

• It may take 6 weeks or longer in total before your hand returns to normal
• Your two fingers will be neighbour strapped together, ring and little fingers. This will allow comfort and allow slow early movement. You may be provided with a wrist brace to allow further support

• Because the fracture (break) can be close to the joint you must move your hand as soon as possible even if this means overcoming some of the discomfort and pain
• After 3 weeks remove the strapping
• Use your hand as normally as possible. This will not cause further damage. Avoid heavy lifting for 6 to 8 weeks
• As the bone heals a lump will form at the fracture site and the knuckle will not be as visible
• Your hand grip should return to normal

Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from your local hospital, please contact:

Fracture Line - 8:30am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday - 0161 778 5372

Emergency Departments (Out of hours):

Fairfield General Hospital - 0161 778 2600

Royal Oldham Hospital - 0161 627 8933

Rochdale Infirmary - 01706 517023