How long does metacarpal surgery take to heal?
Your child will likely have x-rays at the first visit and again in three to four weeks. Most metacarpal fractures heal enough to be out of a cast in three to four weeks. If this is a repeat fracture it, may take more time to heal and may need to be casted longer.
Does a broken metacarpal need surgery?
A metacarpal fracture may require surgery. If your surgeon makes the assessment that the fracture will NOT give you good hand function without surgery, surgical treatment will be recommended.
How long does it take for a broken hand to heal after surgery?
For example, the recovery process for repairing a torn tendon can take up to 12 weeks for your hand to return to full strength, and up to six months for you to regain full mobility. Other types of surgeries, such as certain fracture repairs, can take anywhere from six to 14 weeks to heal.
How can I heal my broken hand faster?
How to heal a bone fracture as fast as possible
- Fracture management – Including closed reduction (bone alignment through manipulation or traction), immobilization (using a splint or cast) and rehabilitation (physical therapy)
- Physical therapy – To regain strength and normal function in the affected area.
Do they cast a broken metacarpal?
Treatment of a metacarpal fracture can usually be accomplished with the use of a cast. A cast is usually worn for three to six weeks, followed by gentle motion exercises. 2 Occasionally, if stiffness becomes a problem after cast treatment, a hand therapist will be recommended to work with you.
How long does hand surgery hurt?
Within Two Weeks After the Operation. You will feel some pain and soreness as your body begins the healing process. Take the pain medication prescribed by your doctor. You will also need to return to the doctor’s clinic for the removal of the stitches, and you will need to wear a splint to assist with healing.
Do boxers fractures need surgery?
Boxer’s fracture are usually easily treated non-surgically with a splint and time, but if the fracture is displaced then surgery may be necessary to repair it.
How long does it take for a metacarpal fracture to heal?
In most cases, the metacarpal fracture heals well and does so over the course of 6 to 8 weeks. Over that time the cast can be removed after a period of time and changed to a removable splint. X-rays are checked every few weeks to be sure the fracture is healing properly and the bone ends maintain their alignment.
How does an orthopedic surgeon fix a broken metacarpal?
You’ll either be sedated or put under general anesthesia before your surgery. An orthopedic surgeon can realign the fracture and fix it in place with hardware such as pins and screws. The fracture may then be immobilized in a cast to protect both the incision and the fracture.
Do you need a cast after a metacarpal fracture?
Once your surgeon thinks that the fracture has healed, the cast or fracture brace is discontinued and you will work with a physical therapist to regain the motion and strength in the arm and hand. A metacarpal fracture may require surgery.
What happens to the blood vessels after a metacarpal fracture?
Nearly all fractures can result in damage to nerves and blood vessels; but this is a rare complication of most metacarpal fractures. Because metacarpal fractures are sometimes associated with punching someone, lacerations (cuts in the skin) can occur over the knuckles as part of the injury.