Hand fractures can significantly impact one’s quality of life, affecting daily activities and hand function. This comprehensive guide provides insights into hand fractures, including their types, symptoms, classification, treatment options, and post-treatment care.
Procedure explainers, surgeon Q&A, and patient stories — straight from Dr. Amit Agarwal.
This video is for educational purposes only. Treatments are individualised according to each patient's condition and needs. Similar results cannot be guaranteed for every individual.
Hand fractures can significantly impact one’s quality of life, affecting daily activities and hand function. This comprehensive guide provides insights into hand fractures, including their types, symptoms, classification, treatment options, and post-treatment care.
Hand fractures encompass fractures of the fingers and thumb (phalanges) and the palm (metacarpals). While many hand fractures can be managed non-operatively, proper diagnosis and follow-up are essential for a successful outcome.
The primary goals of treating hand fractures are to:
Reduce and Stabilize: Ensure the fracture is aligned correctly and stabilized.
Maintain Reduction: Prevent displacement.
Early Rehabilitation: Initiate rehabilitation promptly to restore hand function.
Each finger consists of three joints: the Distal Interphalangeal (DIP) joint, Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint, and Metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. These joints are frequently involved in fractures and can pose challenges in achieving a full recovery.
Hand fractures can be classified using the Salter and Harris classification:
Type 1: Fracture confined to the physis (growth plate).
Type 2: Fracture starts in the physis and extends through the shaft.
Type 3: Fracture starts in the physis and extends into the joint.
Type 4: Fracture starts in the shaft, extends through the physis, and enters the joint.
Type 5: Physis is crushed.
Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited hand or finger movements. Proper evaluation is crucial to determine the extent of the injury.
Upon arrival at the hospital, a digital X-ray is performed to assess the fracture. In cases of compound fractures associated with open wounds or soft tissue loss, thorough wound irrigation is carried out. Splinting is employed for immobilization.
Treatment depends on factors like the patient’s occupation, joint involvement, and association with tendon, nerve, or soft tissue injuries.
In such cases, the treatment aims to promote joint healing without compromising finger extension.
Undisplaced or minimally displaced metacarpal fractures typically require plaster casts. Displaced fractures are reduced visually and stabilized with mini plates or K-wire fixation.
Rehabilitation is vital:
Hand fractures can be debilitating, but timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Amit, and diligent rehabilitation can lead to successful recoveries and restored hand function. Proper care and follow-up are crucial to achieving the best possible outcome.
Drag the handle to compare. All photos are real patients shared with consent.
Images shown are intended to provide general treatment insight only. Every patient is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on individual condition and treatment plan.
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