Fractures and dislocations of the metacarpals and phalanges.

Hand injuries in athletes are very common and usually do not prevent active participation in sports. For this reason, long-term permanent disability and permanent loss of function may develop if these injuries are not recognized and treated properly. The majority of metacarpal and phalangeal joint injuries respond well to closed aggressive early treatment, followed by intensive therapy and protective splinting, which allow the athlete to continue his or her sport participation without the undesirable effects of long-term or permanent loss of function to the hand.