Fracture Hand Treatment
Your hands and wrists are essential tools that allow you to work, play and perform everyday activities. How well the hand and wrist interact depends on the integrity and function of the ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints and bones.
Problems in any of these can affect upper extremity function, causing disruptions at home and work and negatively impacting quality of life.
The human hand itself is very complex and delicate in structure. At some time in life, you may experience hand or wrist pain.
Fractures of the hand can occur in either the small bones of the fingers (phalanges) or the long bones (metacarpals). They can result from a twisting injury, a fall, a crush injury, or direct contact in sports.
Fractures of the Hand FAQ
What Causes a Fracture of the Hand?
Hand fractures can occur in the small bones of the fingers (phalanges) or the long bones (metacarpals). They are commonly caused by:
- Twisting injuries
- Falls
- Crush injuries
- Direct contact during sports
What Are the Symptoms of a Fracture of the Hand?
Common signs and symptoms of a hand fracture include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Deformity
- Inability to move the affected finger
- Shortened finger
- Finger crossing over its neighbor when making a partial fist
- Depressed knuckle (commonly seen in a "boxer’s fracture" of the fifth metacarpal)
What Are the Treatment Options for a Fracture of the Hand?
Nonsurgical Treatment
Many hand fractures can be realigned without surgery. A cast, splint, or fracture brace is used to immobilize and stabilize the bones while they heal.
The cast often extends from the fingertips past the wrist to nearly the elbow to ensure proper immobilization. Follow-up X-rays are usually taken about a week after the injury to confirm proper bone alignment. The cast is typically worn for 3 to 6 weeks.
Gentle hand exercises may begin after 3 weeks. While the injured finger may appear slightly shorter after healing, this typically does not affect hand function.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be necessary for severe hand fractures, such as those involving open wounds or crushing injuries. Surgical options include:
- Implanting wires, screws, or plates to stabilize and align the bones.
- Removal of implants after healing (optional, depending on the case).
Joint stiffness may occur due to prolonged immobilization, but exercises or physical therapy can help restore strength and range of motion. Regular follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and prevent joint contractures.