For forearm, hand, foot fractures

Hand Fractures – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery

Overview

A hand fracture refers to a break in any of the bones in the hand. This includes:

• Phalanges – the small bones in the fingers and thumb
• Metacarpals – the five long bones in the palm

Hand fractures often result from falls, crush injuries, sports contact, or direct trauma. While many hand fractures heal without surgery, severe or misaligned fractures may require surgical intervention.

Common Causes

• Falling on an outstretched hand
• Punching or striking a hard surface
• Direct impact or collision during sports
• Workplace injuries or crush trauma
• Road traffic accidents

Symptoms

Signs of a hand fracture may include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Pain or tenderness
• Visible deformity or misalignment
• Inability to move the fingers or hand properly
• A sunken or flat appearance in the knuckle (common in boxer’s fracture)
• Shortened or overlapping fingers
• Numbness (indicating possible nerve involvement)

Types of Hand Fractures

• Phalangeal Fractures – involve the small bones in fingers
• Metacarpal Fractures – affect the long bones in the palm
• Boxer’s Fracture – a fracture in the neck of the 5th metacarpal (near the little finger)

Diagnosis

• Physical Examination – Doctor checks for swelling, tenderness, deformity, nerve damage, and range of motion
• Imaging Tests –
  • X-ray to confirm and locate the fracture
  • CT or MRI in complex cases to assess surrounding tissues and joint involvement

Treatment Options

Nonsurgical

• Immobilization using a cast, splint, or buddy taping
• Pain management with NSAIDs or acetaminophen
• Regular monitoring with follow-up X-rays

Surgical

Surgery may be necessary if the bones are misaligned, shattered, or the joint is involved.
Surgical methods include:

• Plates, screws, or pins for internal fixation
• External fixation for complex fractures
• Realignment and stabilization of the bone fragments