Boxer's fracture — advice for adults
How to care for a break in the bone behind your little-finger knuckle.
You have broken the neck of the bone behind your little-finger knuckle — often called a "boxer's fracture". Most heal well within about 3–6 weeks without an operation.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
These are uncommon, but need an ambulance.
- Fingers that are pale, blue or cold and do not improve when you raise the hand
- You are very unwell or feverish with a spreading red, hot hand
- You cannot get to hospital safely
Go back to the ED or contact the hand service named above the same day.
- Your fingers cross over or twist when you make a fist — this means the bone has rotated and may need fixing
- Fingers that are numb, or that stay tingly
- You cannot move your fingers at all
- A cut or graze over the knuckle, or you punched a mouth or teeth
- Spreading redness, heat, pus, or a high temperature
- Pain that keeps getting worse, not better
Gently curl your fingers into a loose fist and look down at them. All four fingertips should point towards the same spot near your wrist. If the little finger crosses over or under its neighbour, or points somewhere different, the broken bone has twisted — this needs assessing quickly, because it is much easier to correct early. Compare with your other hand if you are unsure.
Caring for it
- Strap your little and ring fingers together, or wear the support you were given.
- Keep your hand raised when you can, to bring down swelling.
- Keep your fingers moving through the day to stop them getting stiff.
- Take off any rings now, before your hand swells.
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, if you can take them.
What is normal in the first few weeks
These usually settle as the bone heals over about 3–6 weeks:
The knuckle may always look a little flatter — this rarely causes problems.
Follow-up and review
The virtual fracture clinic will review your x-ray and contact you about next steps — there is usually no need to ring them first. Hand therapy may be offered to help you get your full movement and grip back. Keep using your hand gently in the meantime.