Condition Lookup

Metacarpal fractures (e.g., boxer’s fracture)

Sub-category: Hand and Finger Injuries

Symptoms:
pain in the hand, particularly over the metacarpal; swelling and bruising around the fracture site; deformity or misalignment of the hand; difficulty moving the fingers; tenderness upon palpation of the hand

Root Cause:
A metacarpal fracture typically occurs from a blunt force trauma or punch, often involving the fifth metacarpal (boxer's fracture) due to striking a hard object.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on physical examination and confirmed by X-rays to assess the location and severity of the fracture.

Treatment:
Conservative treatment - immobilization with a cast or splint if the fracture is non-displaced. Surgical treatment - for displaced fractures or fractures that affect joint alignment, surgery with pins, plates, or screws may be required.

Medications:
Pain management is typically handled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs). In cases of severe pain or post-surgery, stronger opioids (e.g., oxycodone ) may be prescribed temporarily.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Boxer’s fractures are common in individuals who engage in fistfights, particularly in men aged 18-30.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Engaging in fistfights or activities involving high-risk hand trauma. Alcohol intoxication during trauma events. Lack of protective hand gear during activities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most metacarpal fractures heal well with appropriate treatment, and hand function is often fully restored, though some cases may require rehabilitation to regain full motion.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include nonunion or malunion of the bone, stiffness, loss of motion, or arthritis in the affected joint.

Phalangeal fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Hand and Finger Injuries

Symptoms:
pain and tenderness in the finger or toe; swelling and bruising at the fracture site; deformity or abnormal alignment of the digit; inability to move the affected finger or toe

Root Cause:
Fractures of the phalanges (bones of the fingers or toes) result from direct trauma, such as crush injuries, falls, or sports-related accidents.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination and X-rays are used to confirm the fracture and assess its severity (e.g., whether it's a simple or complex fracture).

Treatment:
Conservative treatment - If the fracture is non-displaced, a splint or buddy tape may be used to immobilize the digit. Surgical treatment - For displaced or complex fractures, surgery may be required to realign the bones using pins, screws, or plates.

Medications:
Pain relief is commonly provided with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen , and in more severe cases, opioid analgesics like hydrocodone may be prescribed post-surgery.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Phalangeal fractures are commonly seen in sports injuries, occupational accidents, or falls.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in contact sports or activities involving high risk for trauma to the hands or feet. Occupational hazards (e.g., construction work). Poor bone health due to conditions like osteoporosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, most phalangeal fractures heal well, with restoration of function, though there can be complications like joint stiffness or long-term pain if not treated properly.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include malalignment, nonunion, joint deformity, stiffness, and arthritis.

Tendon lacerations (e.g., flexor or extensor tendons)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Hand and Finger Injuries

Symptoms:
inability to move the affected finger normally; pain at the laceration site; swelling and tenderness over the tendon; visible laceration or wound

Root Cause:
Tendon lacerations occur due to cuts or sharp injuries to the fingers or hands, resulting in the severing or damaging of the flexor or extensor tendons responsible for finger movement.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, including physical examination to observe the loss of movement. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess tendon integrity, and a laceration can be confirmed with a thorough examination.

Treatment:
Surgical repair is required to reattach the tendon and restore function. After surgery, physical therapy is often needed for rehabilitation to regain full mobility and strength.

Medications:
Pain management typically includes NSAIDs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen . In some cases, stronger medications like opioids (e.g., morphine or oxycodone ) may be prescribed post-surgery. Antibiotics may be given if the wound is contaminated to prevent infection (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Tendon lacerations are more common in individuals who work in environments with high risks of sharp objects, as well as in people involved in sports or accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational risk factors (e.g., working with knives, machinery, or in construction). Trauma or cutting accidents. Poor protective measures (e.g., not wearing gloves in hazardous environments).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Surgical repair generally results in good recovery, though full functionality may take time to return. Complications can delay recovery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include infection, tendon rupture, scar tissue formation, and long-term loss of finger function or flexibility.