Orthopaedic Surgery - Discharge advice following Metacarpal Fractures

We are sorry to hear you had an injury. This advice is designed to help you get better as quickly as possible. During your recovery we may contact you to improve the service for future patients.

Please contact us if:

• You are worried about anything in this plan or have any questions
• You do NOT wish to be contacted about your injury
• If you are having pain or swelling in a different part of your body
• If you still have significant pain and/or swelling 6 weeks after your injury
• You notice that your finger is curling under or over the one next to it

Helpline – 0161 206 4892. You can leave a message anytime. We will aim to return your call within 24 hours (except weekends).

Metacarpal fracture

The metacarpals are bones in your hand that connect the wrist to the fingers at the knuckles. Breaks to these bones are common. A fresh injury will be swollen, bruised and painful. Your fracture is a stable injury, but a splint may have been given to support and provide comfort.

As the bone heals a lump may form on your hand and your knuckle may not look the same, this is quite normal after this injury. This will not affect your day-to-day activities so you should call the helpline if you have any worries.

Important information about smoking

FACT - Broken bones take longer to heal in people who smoke. In extreme cases, it can stop healing altogether.

GOOD NEWS - Stopping now will make the difference and give you the best results.

HELP - Go to: www.smokefree.nhs.uk or https:// www.salford.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-services/quit- smoking/ or have a chat with your GP.

Physiotherapy

If you live in Salford, you can refer yourself online to our physiotherapy department using this website www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/go2physio

If you do not live in Salford or have no internet access, then ask your GP to refer you.

Injury recovery

• It takes up to 6-12 weeks to recover from this injury
• Pain and swelling are normal. Take simple painkillers e.g. paracetamol for as long as you need to, do not exceed the recommended dose. Pharmacies can further advise
• The splint can be worn for 4 weeks max or until you do not need it
• It is very important to start the finger and wrist exercises as soon as possible
• If you need more advice on exercise or your recovery please refer yourself to physiotherapy

What to do in the first 24-72 hours to reduce pain and swelling

• Protect the hand from further injury by using the splint
• Ice is very good at reducing swelling and pain. Wrap an icepack (or bag of frozen peas) in a tea towel and put it on your hand. Leave for 5-10 minutes and repeat every 2-3 hours
• Gentle movement of the elbow, wrist and hand creates blood flow to the injury. This helps it to heal and also reduces swelling. Start your exercises as soon as possible. Doing them after ice often feels better
• You should keep your hand elevated (higher than your heart) as much as possible to reduce swelling

Osteoporosis

If you’ve fractured a bone AND are over 50 years you may be at risk of having Osteoporosis (weakening of bones). You may be contacted separately by letter from Salford Fracture Liaison Service offering you a telephone risk assessment; if you live outside of Salford please speak to your GP.

What is osteoporosis?

Bone is a living tissue, but as we get older it’s not able to renew itself as well and our bones start to weaken. This happens to everybody to some degree, but when the bones become fragile it’s called osteoporosis.

How can I help myself?

The following will help to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis:

• Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D as part of a well-balanced diet
• Exercise regularly, especially activities that involve walking or running
• Stop smoking
• Don’t drink too much alcohol. Nutrition tips
• You can help your body to recover by eating the right food
• Drink lots of water
• Protein, calcium and vitamin D work together to help your body to repair
• Foods high in protein: Seafood, meat, dairy, eggs, beans and soya
• Foods high in calcium: Dairy, almonds, seeds, oily fish, beans and lentils
• Dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli and cabbage also help calcium absorption
• Foods high in vitamin D: Oily fish, milk, cheese and eggs
• Eat less sugar and alcohol, as sugar reduces calcium absorption

Driving

It is important that you contact your insurance company to tell them about your injury. You may be able to drive when you feel safe to perform an emergency stop and fully operate your vehicle.

Sports

You should not play any sport until pain-free and have full movement.