Hand Fracture Specialist

What is a hand fracture?

The human hand and wrist have 29 different bones and a complex network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. A hand fracture occurs when one or more of those bones is cracked or broken.

Sports injuries are a common cause of hand fractures, and workplace injuries also make up a  substantial number of fractures. Falls, crushing injuries, and twisting injuries can also lead to broken bones in your hand. 

The most commonly broken bone in the hand is the fifth metacarpal, which is the bone that supports your little finger. Breaks in this part of the hand often stem from striking an object with a closed fist, which is why they are referred to as a “boxer’s fracture.”

How do I know if I have a hand fracture?

Some hand fractures will announce themselves through immediate, severe pain. Other breaks are less obvious, and it isn’t uncommon for people to break one or more bones in their hands and be unaware they have a fracture. 

These signs indicate you may have a hand fracture:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Shortened finger
• Inability to move a finger
• Deformity
• One finger moving to cross another when you begin to make a fist

If you notice these changes, schedule a diagnostic exam to determine if you’ve sustained a hand fracture. Correcting the problem is easiest in the timeframe immediately after a fracture, before your bones begin to fuse themselves back together. 

What kinds of treatments can help heal a hand fracture?

When you turn to SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE for care, the process begins with a diagnostic work-up. A physical exam and a discussion of the events that led up to the injury are part of the process. 

Your specialist might also suggest X-rays or other imaging to determine the scope of the damage. If you have one or more broken bones, you’ll discuss various treatment options.

Some fractures can be corrected through a process called a closed reduction. Your practitioner gently manipulates the bones back into proper positioning without making an incision. Once the alignment is correct, a cast, brace, or splint is applied to prevent movement as your body begins the healing process. 

More complex fractures often require surgical intervention. Arthroscopic surgery allows your specialist to use slim surgical tools to repair damaged tissue without a large incision. Minimally invasive surgery is the preferred approach as it reduces the risk of bleeding and other complications and minimizes healing times. 

If you have questions or concerns about hand fracture diagnosis or treatment options, schedule an appointment online or by phone at your earliest convenience.