Just got back from the hand specialst's office. Apparently, the punch snapped the neck of my fifth metacarpal, pushing the head of the bone back 45 degrees. Just for reference, zero degrees is normal.

The doctor had to manually reposition the bone. Just a warning, if a doctor ever asks if you are ready while holding your pancake flattened pinkie between his two hands, the answer is always "no."

After a very loud pop and some grinding noises, and a brief moment of hovering on just this side of pain-enduced oblivion, I had my fourth knuckle back.

I have to go back in two weeks to see if the bone stayed upright or pins are required, and then I'll be getting a cast for a month, but I think the worst of my stupidity is done.

I was in a panic, after having the second splint put on, what with Guitar Hero 2 about to be released, but I can still strum with what's left of my right hand, so I'm solid. Brian Crecente

Ps. Yes, that really is my x-ray.