Final answer:
The correct type of cast for a fractured metacarpal is a short arm cast, which immobilizes the wrist and hand while allowing free movement of the elbow and fingers. This promotes proper healing by maintaining bone alignment and stability in the affected area.
Step-by-step explanation:
A short arm cast is the appropriate type of cast for a fractured metacarpal. Metacarpal bones are located in the hand between the wrist (formed by the carpals) and the fingers (formed by the phalanges). The metacarpals are the long bones within the palm of the hand. When one of these bones breaks, immobilizing the wrist and the metacarpal bones without restricting the elbow's range of motion can support proper healing. For this reason, a short arm cast is usually adequate for a fractured metacarpal.
Short arm casts extend from just below the elbow down to the metacarpals near the knuckles. They allow for finger movement while keeping the wrist and lower part of the arm stable. By comparison, long arm casts, which extend from the hand to the upper arm above the elbow, cylinder casts, and spica casts are not typically utilized for isolated metacarpal fractures unless there are other complications or additional injuries that warrant more extensive immobilization.
It's important to appropriately immobilize a fractured metacarpal to ensure proper bone alignment and healing, prevent complications, and restore function to the hand after the bone has healed. The decision of the type of cast may also be influenced by the specific metacarpal involved and the nature of the fracture, this can vary based on the healthcare provider's assessment.