What physical examination finding is characteristic of a boxer's fracture?

A boxer's fracture typically involves a fracture of the fifth metacarpal, which is located in the hand. This injury often occurs due to punching an object, hence the term "boxer's fracture." A key physical examination finding in this type of fracture is the deformity of the little finger, which is commonly associated with the malalignment that occurs at the fifth digit following such an injury.

When examining a patient with a boxer's fracture, one might observe that the little finger may appear angulated or aligned improperly compared to the other fingers due to the fracture's impact on the metacarpal bone. This deformity can often manifest as a visible change in the contour of the hand or an inability to appropriately position the little finger.

Understanding this specific physical examination finding emphasizes the injury's mechanism and location. The other options present findings that do not specifically correlate with a typical presentation of a boxer's fracture, which is primarily concentrated in the fourth and fifth metacarpals. The characteristic deformity of the little finger is what stands out in this scenario.