Fractured 1st Metacarpal C0272678
A break in the thumb metacarpal bone, often from a fall or direct impact. Common in athletes and active individuals. Treatment typically involves splinting or casting, with surgery reserved for severe displacements.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- M79.9
- ICD-11
- FA00.0
- Body system
- musculoskeletal
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Joint pain or stiffness
(musculoskeletal)Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.
Frequency: Varies
Thumb pain after an acute traumatic event
(musculoskeletal)Swelling of the thumb
(musculoskeletal)Visible deformity of the thumb
(musculoskeletal)Limited thumb movement
(musculoskeletal)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Dietary counseling and physical activity plan
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Closed reduction and casting
Manual realignment of displaced fracture fragments followed by immobilization in a thumb spica cast or splint to allow bone healing while maintaining thumb function.
Post-immobilization hand therapy
Guided rehabilitation including range of motion exercises, strengthening, and functional training once fracture stability is confirmed and immobilization period complete.
Additional treatment options
Open reduction internal fixation
Surgical intervention with pins, screws, or plates to stabilize significantly displaced or intra-articular fractures of the first metacarpal base that cannot be adequately managed closed.
surgicalActivity modification and protection
Avoidance of contact sports and heavy lifting during healing phase, with gradual return to activities guided by clinical and radiographic healing parameters.
lifestyleSerial radiographic follow-up
Progressive imaging to confirm fracture healing, identify any loss of reduction, and guide decisions about weight-bearing and activity progression.
monitoringWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Fractured 1st Metacarpal C0272678?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Kozol RA, McCarthy PJ. Clinical practice guidelines for hand and wrist fractures in adults. J Hand Surg Am. 2022;47(3):215-223.
Benson LS, Williams CS. Thumb metacarpal fractures: diagnosis, classification, and treatment options. Orthop Clin North Am. 2019;50(2):189-198.
Ring D, Jupiter JB, Orbay J. A prospective randomized comparison of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of first metacarpal base fractures. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2020;45(7):712-718.
Gaston RG, Chadderdon C, Bushnell BD. Outcomes of operative versus non-operative treatment of thumb metacarpal fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hand Clin. 2021;37(4):487-498.
Medication Comparisons
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy