Dangerfield injured his left wrist in a heavy collision with the goalpost during the Crows’ loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
Initial x-rays failed to detect the break, but an MRI scan on Tuesday night confirmed the club’s worst fears.
The courageous 20-year-old has been in the wars this season, prompting calls for him to change his kamikaze style of play.
In round three, he was admitted to hospital and cleared of serious neck damage after being tackled into the ground by three Melbourne players in Adelaide’s loss to the Dees at the MCG.
The Crows will now be forced to make at least two changes to the side that lost to the Dogs last weekend, with first-gamer Ricky Henderson (hamstring) also sustaining an injury in the hefty defeat.
Adelaide is hopeful of regaining key defender Nathan Bock from a hamstring strain, but dashing onballer David Mackay (groin) has already been ruled out of Showdown XXVIII
Dangerfield’s absence is likely to pave the way for rookie Matthew Jaensch to make his AFL debut.
Adelaide's tale of woe
Nathan Bock (hamstring) - test
Patrick Dangerfield (hand) - 4 weeks Ricky Henderson (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
Trent Hentschel (knee) - TBC
Jarrhan Jacky (hamstring) - 1-2 weeks
David Mackay (groin) - 1-2 weeks
Brodie Martin (knee) - indefinite
Brad Moran (knee) - indefinite
Andy Otten (knee) - season
James Sellar (hamstring) - 1-2 weeks
Sam Shaw (shin) - 2-3 weeks
Rory Sloane (ankle) - 3 weeks
Brad Symes (knee) - indefinite
