Hand Fractures

Background

Hand fractures can occur in a number of different ways because of the complexity and numerous bones that make up the hand. The bones such as metacarpals and phalanges are so small that any sort of force could cause you to fracture these bones. There are 14 bones that make up the phalanges in each hand and then there are 5 bones that make up the metacarpals.

Hand injuries

There are multiple bones that could fracture and most injuries occur from a direct blow or objects falling onto the hands. Injuries to the metacarpals are not life threatening but tend to be very uncomfortable. The hand will be tender to touch and often swollen from the fracture, it will be difficult to go about your daily tasks with a fractured metacarpal. In some cases a fractured metacarpal could cause a slight deformity in your hand. in many cases the bone will need to be fused together by pins or screws. On the phalanges the distal portion is the most common fracture, this can occur from sports, direct impact or possibly from falling. This fracture can also lead to much discomfort but will need to get fixed to ensure that the fracture does not worsen.

Post-Op

Fractures of the metacarpal can vary depending on the procedure that is being performed, normally the hand will be placed in a cast for 4 weeks to prohibit movement and then the cast and pins will be removed. Then the patients is urged to slowly return to come back to daily activities. In many cases the fracture of a phalanx could be non operative and would only require a splint to prevent any movement. This would entail 3 weeks of using a splint followed by intensive rehabilitation. If a fracture would require surgery then the finger will be placed in a cast to immobilize the finger in order for it to heal. It will be followed by rehab once the cast is removed from the finger.