S62.322

Clinical Causes: Falls onto an outstretched hand Direct blow to the back of the hand Sport injuries involving punching or impact Car accidents or crush injuries Twisting or bending the hand beyond its normal range of motion

Key Symptoms: Pain at the site of the fracture, especially when moving the hand or fingers Swelling around the middle part of the third finger Bruising or discoloration of the hand Deformity or abnormal positioning of the affected finger Difficulty or inability to move the affected finger or hand Tenderness to touch over the fracture site

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing a displaced fracture of the third metacarpal involves a careful physical examination by a healthcare professional, who will look for swelling, deformity, and tenderness. Confirmatory imaging studies, such as X-rays, are essential to visualize the fracture details, including displacement and alignment of the bone fragments. Additional imaging may be performed if necessary to assess the extent of damage or involvement of surrounding tissues.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options depend on the severity of the fracture and the degree of displacement. Common approaches include: - **Immobilization:** Using a splint or cast to keep the bone in proper position during healing. - **Reduction:** For severely displaced fractures, a healthcare provider may need to realign the bones manually (closed reduction) or surgically (open reduction) to restore correct positioning. - **Surgical intervention:** In cases where the fracture cannot be aligned properly through conservative methods, surgical fixation using pins, screws, or plates may be necessary. - **Rehabilitation:** Hand therapy exercises post-treatment to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Recovery times vary but typically span several weeks, and follow-up imaging is used to monitor healing progress.