Fracture is basically a break in the continuity of the bone that results in difficulty in movements of the hand.

SYMPTOMS: (How do I know I have a broken bone?

You might have one or more of these things:

• Swelling
• Pain 
• Bruising
• Inability to move finger/s
• Obvious deformity
• Numbness 
• Overlapping of fingers
• Cuts or wounds sometimes

CAUSES

Fracture can occur due to different causes that might include crush injury, fall, twisting injury or contact injury during sports, road traffic accident or fights.

DEFECTS

It can be different types including open, close, spiral, comminuted and of different bones of the hand, including fingers, palm and wrist. 

PROCEDURE

If you see any of such symptoms, visit a doctor to get a plan of management.

NON SURGICAL TREATMENT

If fracture is in a stable position or could be manipulated in a stable and acceptable position, it can be treated by keeping splint and follow up xrays are done to see the progress. 

SURGICAL TREATMENT

If the fracture is unstable, then the doctor might need to perform a procedure to keep the fragments in place and that can be done either by means of closed reduction (no need for incision) or open reduction (incision needed). The surgeon brings the fragments of bone in a stable position and holds them by means of internal metal devices like K-wires, screws, plates or pins or an external device.

COMPLICATIONS

• Stiffness of fingers
• Loss of strength
• Loss of range of motion
• Malunion, non-union
• Infection

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Fractures usually heal nuts. Sometimes healing might slow me down or result in improper healing. The cast usually takes around 4-8 weeks to be off depending upon the type and location of fracture.

APPROXIMATE DURATION OF PROCEDURE AND HOSPITAL STAY

It usually varies according to the kind of treatment given and either can be just an emergency department stay where cast can be applied or a one-day in-patient stay for the perioperative treatment.

LONG TERM EFFECTS

Hand therapy is needed for the recovery and functioning of hands. Due to prolonged immobilization, patients might have stiff hands, or loss of range of motion or arthritis.

 

Written by :  Dr. Batool Urooj

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons