Fracture in the hand

Description

A broken hand is a break or crack in one or more of the bones of his hand. This injury can be caused by direct blows or falls. Motor vehicle crashes can cause the bones to break, sometimes into many pieces, and often require surgical repair.

You may be at higher risk of a fracture in the hand if you participate in contact sports like football or hockey, or if you have a condition in which bones become thinner and more fragile (osteoporosis).

It is important for the treatment of a fracture in the hand as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bones may not heal in the correct alignment, which could affect your ability to perform everyday activities, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. Early treatment will also help to minimize the pain and stiffness.

Symptoms

A fracture in the hand can cause these signs and symptoms:

  • The intense pain that may worsen when you hold or squeeze or move your hand
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Obvious deformity, such as a finger crooked
  • The stiffness, or difficulty moving the fingers or the thumb
  • Numbness in the hand or fingers

When to call a doctor

If you think you may have a fracture in the hand, immediately consult a doctor, especially if you have numbness, swelling, or difficulty moving the fingers. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, decreased range of motion and decreased grip strength.

Causes

Hand fractures can be caused by a direct blow or crush injury. Motor vehicle crashes can cause the bones to break, sometimes into many pieces, and often require surgical repair.

Risk factors

The risk of a fracture in the hand may be greater if you participate in sports such as soccer, football, rugby or hockey. Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones, it can also increase your risk of a fracture in the hand.

Complications

The complications of a fracture in the hand are rare, but may include:

  • Course stiffness, pain, or disability. The stiffness, pain, or discomfort in the affected area usually goes away with time, after the splint is removed or after the surgery. However, some people have permanent stiffness or pain. Be patient with your recovery, and talk with your doctor about exercises that can help or for a referral to physical therapy or occupational therapy.
  • Osteoarthritis. Fractures that extend into a joint can cause arthritis years later. If your hand starts to hurt or swell very much, after a break, see your doctor for an evaluation.
  • The nerves or the blood vessels. Injuries of the hand can cause damage to adjacent nerves and blood vessels. Seek immediate medical attention if you have numbness or circulatory problems.

Prevention

It is impossible to avoid the unforeseen events that often cause a fracture in the hand. But these tips may offer some protection.

Build the strength of the bones

To build strong bones:

  • Eating a nutritious diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D
  • Get plenty of weight-bearing exercise, such as brisk walking
  • Quit smoking if you are a smoker

Prevent falls

Hand fractures can occur when people fall forward onto an outstretched hand. To prevent this common injury:

  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Remove things you can trip over in your home, such as carpets
  • The light of your living space
  • Have an eye exam and, if necessary, correct
  • Install grab bars in your bathroom
  • Install handrails on the stairs
  • To avoid a slippery surface, if it is possible, as snow-or ice-covered walkways

Fracture in the hand

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a fracture in the hand, usually includes a physical examination of the affected hand and x-rays.

Treatment

If the broken ends of the bone aren't aligned, there can be no spaces between the pieces of bone or fragments might overlap. Your doctor will need to manipulate the pieces back into position, a procedure known as a reduction. Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you might need a local or general anesthetic before this procedure.

Whatever the treatment, it is important to move your fingers regularly, while the fracture is healing to keep them from strengthening. Ask your doctor about the best ways to move. If you smoke, stop smoking. Smoking can delay or prevent bone healing.

Immobilization

Restrict the movement of a broken bone in his hand is essential for proper healing. To do this, you may need a splint or a cast. You will be advised to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling and pain.

Drugs

To reduce the pain, your doctor might recommend an over-the-counter pain relievers. If the pain is severe, you may need a prescription opioid, such as codeine.

Nsaids can help with the pain, but it could also hinder the healing of bones, especially if used long term. Ask your doctor whether you can take to relieve the pain.

If you have an open fracture, in which you have a wound or cut in the skin near the site of the wound, the more likely it is that given an antibiotic to prevent infection that could reach the bone.

Therapy

After the cast or splint is removed, it is likely that you will have to do rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to reduce stiffness and restore the movement of your hand. Rehabilitation can help, but it can take several months or more time for complete healing.

Surgical and other procedures

You may need surgery for the implant of the pins, plates, rods or screws to hold the bones in place while they heal. A bone graft can be used to help the healing. These options may be necessary if you have:

  • An open fracture
  • A fracture in which the bone pieces are moved before they heal
  • Loose bone fragments that can enter into a joint
  • The damage to the surrounding ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels
  • Fractures that extend into a joint

Even after the reduction and immobilization with a cast or a splint, their bones may change. So your doctor will likely monitor your progress with x-rays. If your bones move, you may need surgery.

Preparing for your appointment

You can search in the first place the treatment for a fracture in the hand in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone are not properly aligned to allow healing with tethering, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.

What you can do

You can write a list that includes:

  • A description of your symptoms and how, where and when the injury occurred
  • Information about you and your family's medical histories
  • All of the medications and supplements you are taking, including dose
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

For a fracture in the hand, questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • I'm going to need surgery?
  • I have to wear a cast? If so, for how long?
  • I'm going to need physical therapy when the cast is removed?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask:

  • What is your occupation?
  • It was his hand tilted backward or forward when the impact occurred?
  • You're right-or left-handed?
  • Where does it hurt, and certain movements make it hurt more or less?
  • Have you had the previous hand injuries or surgeries?
Symptoms and treatment of the fracture of the hand