Fractures of the palm

[Raeanne Dimick]

Fractures of the palm involve the bones located between the finger bones and wrist bones. These bones are called metacarpal bones. Occasionally, the metacarpal bone at the base of the thumb fractures, but these fractures are usually considered separately.

• Metacarpal neck fractures often result from punching a hard object.
• The knuckles are swollen and tender.
• Usually, doctors can diagnose these fractures based on x-rays taken from several angles.
• Treatment involves a splint and sometimes first putting the broken pieces of bone back in place (reduction), depending on the type of fracture.

(See also Overview of Fractures.)

Metacarpal fractures are often called boxer