Fractures of the hand can be a debilitating injury.
Injuries include distal radius fractures, carpal fractures, metacarpal fractures and finger fractures. Treatment of these injuries is geared towards restoring function to the hand as well as maximizing aesthetics. Many of these injuries can be treated in casts or splints. But some of them will require surgery to achieve maximum function. This article will discuss treatment options for various types of hand fractures.
Non-surgical treatment of hand fractures
Casting, splinting, buddy taping, and bracing are non-surgical treatment options for hand fractures. The goal is to allow the fracture to heal with normal alignment. Fractures of the hand generally heal quickly. That means casts or splints may be used for 3-6 weeks, depending on the type of fracture.
Sometimes fractures may not heal. The most common reason for this is failing to properly immobilize the fracture. If you frequently remove the splint or brace, the fracture may not heal properly. If nonoperative measures fail to treat a fracture, surgery may be required to restore anatomy and optimize function. However, even with surgical intervention there is usually some impairment in function as compared to that prior to injury or surgery.
Surgical treatment of hand and wrist fractures
Surgical treatment of a fracture is usually required when the pieces of bone are too far out of alignment. The goal of surgery is to bring them together and get the bone as straight as possible. Surgery doesn’t usually speed the healing process. Surgery may involve plates and screws or possibly pins and wires placed across the fracture to stabilize it and keep it in proper alignment.
What are the most common problems after hand fractures?
The most common problems after any fracture of the hand or wrist are stiffness and weakness. These can be treated effectively with dedicated hand therapy, a service offered at the Bone and Joint Specialists therapy department.
