Hand Fractures

Fractures of the hand, wrist, or finger is a painful injury that can impact the alignment of your entire hand. Prompt treatment is important after a fracture in this area to retain full mobility and ensure a speedy recovery. 

What Is a Bone Fracture in the Hand?

When a bone is hit by a force that exceeds its strength, it causes a fracture. A fractured (or broken) bone has been snapped or cracked to some degree. 

There are two types of bones in your hand — phalanges and metacarpals. The phalanges are the bones that make up your thumb and fingers, while the metacarpals are the bones in the palm of your hand. There are three phalanes in each of your fingers except for the thumb, which has two phalanges. Each of your palms has five metacarpals.

When these small, delicate bones are fractured, you may be unable to move your hand or finger(s). You may also experience extreme pain when you attempt to grasp, flex, or otherwise move your hand. Stiffness, numbness, tenderness, swelling, and bruising are other common symptoms of bone fractures in the hand.

What Causes Fractures in the Hand?

There are multiple common causes for hand fractures, including:

  • Certain sports, such as boxing, hockey, rugby, and football
  • Car accidents
  • The hand being crushed by a heavy object, such as a piece of furniture
  • The hand being hit directly by an object with a high degree of force

Individuals with osteoporosis may also be at a higher risk for hand fractures, as this condition causes low bone strength. 

How Are Fractures in the Hand Treated?

Our team at Julian Plastic Surgery in Tampa is experienced in the treatment of hand and finger fractures. We’ll first examine your injury and take an x-ray of the affected area to determine the right treatment option for you. 

If surgical treatment is required for your hand fracture, we’ll complete a surgical repair with casting, pinning, and plate repair techniques. These methods return your hand to its normal function and appearance by realigning the broken bone and securing the fractured sections of bone in place.

You’ll likely need to wear a splint after treatment to protect the hand while it heals. Your doctor will provide you with thorough post-procedure instructions, including hand exercises to maintain mobility in the area. It generally takes about a month and a half for a fractured hand to heal.

Contact us to speak to a member of our expert team today.