Hand Fractures

About Hand Fractures

Hand fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones of the hand, which can involve the phalanges (finger bones) or metacarpals (the bones connecting the fingers to the wrist). These injuries are commonly caused by direct trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or accident. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, hand function may be significantly impacted, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment crucial to ensure optimal healing and the return of normal hand function.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a hand fracture can vary depending on the bone involved and the extent of the injury, but common signs include

Pain (sharp or throbbing pain at the site of the fracture, which may worsen with movement or pressure)
Swelling (swelling around the injured area, which may extend to the entire hand)
Bruising (discoloration of the skin around the fracture site, often appearing blue, purple, or yellow)
Deformity (visible misalignment or abnormal shape of the hand or fingers, which may indicate a displaced fracture)
Limited Mobility (difficulty or inability to move the affected finger or hand, often accompanied by stiffness)
Tenderness (sensitivity to touch at the fracture site, with pain on palpation)

Treatments

Treatment of hand fractures depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture. The primary goals are to ensure proper alignment of the bones, stabilize the fracture, and restore full function to the hand.

Non-surgical Treatments

Immobilization: Most stable fractures can be treated with immobilization using a cast, splint, or brace to keep the bones in place while they heal. The duration of immobilization varies depending on the severity of the fracture, typically ranging from 3 to 6 weeks.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often recommended to manage pain and inflammation during the healing process.
Physical Therapy: After the immobilization period, physical therapy may be prescribed to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the hand.

Surgical Treatments

Reduction and Fixation: If the fracture is displaced or unstable, surgical intervention may be required to realign the bones and secure them using pins, screws, plates, or wires. This procedure is known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
External Fixation: In some cases, an external device may be used to stabilize the bones, especially when there is extensive soft tissue damage or if the fracture involves multiple bones.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: After surgery, a tailored rehabilitation program is essential to regain full function. This may include exercises, splinting, and regular follow-up visits to monitor healing.