Hey guys- Yesterday i fell from a tall boulder problem on my closed fist. My "pinkie" knuckle immediately moved into my hand, and i knew something was not good! After an ER visit and some xrays I found out I had a "Boxer's Fracture" - a fracture at the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone.

I have a orthopedic appointment today were I will find out if i just need a hard cast, or if I also need pins (doesn't look like I will need them from what I heard from the ER doctor.)

I was wondering if anyone has had the same injury and knows about recovery/hand strength after injury etc. A broken bone in my hand worries me about future hand problems in climbing. Any info or personal experience?

Broke the same bone in my right hand years ago. (not climbing, but actually hitting someone) As I recall the recovery was uneventful, today I have slightly less range of motion in that 5th metatarsal joint than my other hand. (out to the side/abduction) but it has never affected my climbing.
Good luck

I've broken both hands with the same type break. Multiple times with the right hand (has to do with my work, not climbing). As for hand strength, I haven't had problems at all relating to the breaks. Mild arthritis maybe, but even that has abated over the years and I've no issues anymore.

Good luck,
Tony

I snapped metacarpal # 2 (index finger) right in half in a weird climbing accident about 12 years ago. After initially being mis-diagnosed (by the head of an ER department and a climber no less!), the surgeon ended up screwing it back together about 3 weeks after it happened. I still feel it occasionally, but it's never been a concern. I don't think there's any strength isssues either except my lack thereof.

Hi cj8,

I had one of those to my right pinkie, after, um, punching a wall a few years ago during a bad spell. I didn't go to a doc for a week or two, and by then it had sort of "set" itself. He gave me a small splint and said it would be OK.

The finger ached in the joint when bouldering and can still hurt a little on plastic or in the cold. The finger is a bit crooked to look at and doesn't straighten all the way. But climbing-wise, I don't think I've lost overall functionality. Take it slow and let it heal -- you'll be OK.

Matt