Tenolysis - freeing up a tendon from scar tissue.Surgical removal of the retained hardware (such as pins, screws, or plate and screws).If this occurs, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to help restore motion and/or function to your finger. Your doctor or, in some cases, an occupational therapist, physical therapist or hand therapist, will provide specific exercises to help decrease stiffness and improve function.Įven after carefully following therapy instructions after fracture treatment, some patients may continue to have difficulty with stiffness or a contracture (loss of motion) in the hand. Complications of Hand Fracturesīecause some fractures require prolonged immobilization in a cast or splint, your hand and fingers may become stiff. ![]() Reproduced from Kozin SH, Thoder JJ, Lieberman G: Operative Treatment of Metacarpal and Phalangeal Shaft Fractures. (Right) In this X-ray, the fractures have been repaired with screws. (Left) X-ray shows fractures in the phalanges of two fingers. Small metal devices - such as wires, screws, pins, staples, and plates - may be used to hold the pieces of fractured bone in place. Your doctor may need to make an incision to help reposition the bone fragments into their normal alignment. Surgery is often necessary for open fractures in which pieces of bone have broken through the skin. Some hand fractures require surgery to realign and stabilize the fracture fragments. You can usually begin gentle hand exercises after 3 weeks. The non-injured finger acts as a “moving splint” to support the injured finger. Some types of fractures can be protected by wearing a removable splint or by being “buddy strapped” to a non-injured finger next to the injured finger. This is done to ensure that the bones are healing in the proper position.ĭepending on the location and stability of the fracture, you may have to wear the cast for 3 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will probably order a second set of X-rays about 1 to 2 weeks later. The cast may extend from your fingertips almost to your elbow to support the bones properly. ![]() ![]() A cast, splint or brace may be applied to keep the bones in acceptable alignment while they heal. This procedure is called a closed reduction. Accessed May 22, 2017.If a fracture does not line up in an acceptable position, your doctor can often realign the bone fragments by gently manipulating them back into position without making an incision. Do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs affect bone healing? A critical analysis. National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Overview of finger, hand, and wrist fractures. American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Avoid slippery surfaces, if possible, such as snow- or ice-covered walkways.Have your vision checked and, if needed, corrected.Remove things you can trip over in your home, such as throw rugs.Hand fractures can occur when people fall forward onto an outstretched hand. Get plenty of weight-bearing exercise, such as brisk walking.Eat a nutritious diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D.But these tips might offer some protection. It's impossible to prevent the unforeseen events that often cause a broken hand. Seek immediate attention if you have numbness or circulation problems. ![]() Trauma to the hand can injure adjacent nerves and blood vessels. If your hand starts to hurt or swell long after a break, see your doctor for an evaluation. Fractures that extend into a joint can cause arthritis years later. Be patient with your recovery, and talk to your doctor about exercises that might help or for a referral to physical or occupational therapy. However, some people have permanent stiffness or pain. Stiffness, pain or aching in the affected area generally goes away eventually after your cast is removed or after surgery. Ongoing stiffness, aching or disability.ComplicationsĬomplications of a broken hand are rare, but they might include: Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, may also increase your risk of a broken hand. Your risk of a broken hand may be increased if you participate in sports like football, soccer, rugby, or hockey. Motor vehicle crashes can cause hand bones to break, sometimes into many pieces, and often require surgical repair. Hand fractures can be caused by a direct blow or crushing injury.
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