[3] For most fractures with less than 70 degrees of angulation, buddy taping and a tensor bandage resulted in similar outcomes to reduction with splinting.

[5] The symptoms are pain and tenderness in the specific location of the hand, which corresponds to the metacarpal bone around the knuckle.

[citation needed] Metacarpal fractures are usually caused by the impact of a clenched fist with a hard, immovable object, such as a skull or a wall.

[citation needed] For most fractures with less than 70 degrees of angulation, buddy taping and a tensor bandage resulted in similar outcomes to reduction with splinting.

[9][10] Prognosis for these fractures is generally good, with total healing time not exceeding 12 weeks.

Muscle atrophy of 5 to 15 percent may be expected, with a rehabilitation period of approximately 4 months given adequate therapy.

Hand injuries of this sort are most prevalent among fifteen- to thirty-five-year-old males, and the fifth metacarpal is the one most commonly affected.

[12] Males are nearly fifty percent more likely to sustain fracture from a punch mechanism than females.

[citation needed] As these are colloquial terms, texts and medical dictionaries do not universally agree on precise meanings.

[15] This is derived from boxers properly punching through the 2nd and 3rd knuckles, whereas inexperienced fighters often connect with the weaker 4th and 5th.