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S62.3 – Metacarpal Fracture: Causes & Treatment
S62.3 is the ICD-10 code for a fracture of the metacarpal bone. This injury commonly results from a fall or direct impact to the hand.
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S62.3 is the ICD-10 code for a fracture of the metacarpal bone. This injury commonly results from a fall or direct impact to the hand.
What Does the ICD-10 Code S62.3 Mean?
The ICD-10 code S62.3 refers to a fracture of the metacarpal bone, meaning a break in one or more of the five long bones that form the palm of the hand. The metacarpus connects the wrist bones (carpals) to the finger joints (phalanges). Metacarpal fractures are among the most common hand injuries seen in clinical practice and affect people of all ages.
Causes
Metacarpal fractures typically result from direct or indirect trauma to the hand:
- Fall onto an outstretched hand
- Punching a hard surface with a closed fist (often called a "boxer's fracture," typically involving the 5th metacarpal)
- Road traffic accidents or workplace injuries
- Sports injuries, for example in handball, volleyball, or martial arts
- Crush injuries or direct compression
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of a metacarpal fracture include:
- Pain over the back of the hand, especially with pressure or movement
- Swelling and bruising (hematoma) over the affected bone
- Reduced range of motion of the hand and fingers
- Visible deformity or malalignment of the bone
- Crepitation (a grating sensation) when the hand is moved (to be assessed by a physician only)
- Rotational malalignment of a finger, visible when making a fist
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical examination and imaging:
- Physical examination: Assessment of swelling, point tenderness, range of motion, and rotational alignment of the fingers
- X-ray of the hand in at least two planes (standard): identifies the fracture and evaluates displacement of bone fragments
- CT scan (computed tomography): Used for complex or intra-articular fractures to provide detailed imaging
Treatment
Conservative Management
Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures are generally treated conservatively:
- Immobilization with a plaster splint or functional brace for 4 to 6 weeks
- Ice application and elevation of the hand in the acute phase to reduce swelling
- Pain management using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
- Physiotherapy following bone consolidation
Surgical Treatment
Significantly displaced, unstable, or intra-articular fractures may require surgery:
- Kirschner wire fixation: Thin metal wires are inserted to stabilize the fracture
- Plate and screw osteosynthesis: A metal plate is fixed to the bone with screws
- Screw fixation alone: Used for specific fracture patterns
Healing and Prognosis
Most metacarpal fractures heal without complications within 6 to 8 weeks when treated appropriately. Full recovery of hand function is generally achievable. However, rotational malalignment or untreated displacement can lead to long-term functional impairment. Regular follow-up and early physiotherapy significantly improve outcomes.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 Classification of Diseases, Chapter XIX, S62 – Fracture at wrist and hand level. www.who.int
- Rueger J.M. et al.: Fractures of the Metacarpals. In: Trauma Surgery – Springer Medizin Verlag, 2018.
- Schenk P., Koller H.: Metacarpal fractures – conservative versus surgical management. European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, 2022.
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