Finger Fracture

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What is a Finger Fracture?
  •  A fracture occurs when there is enough force to break a bone.
  • The fracture may be a hairline fracture that heals easily or it may be offset to the degree that it requires stabilization with wire fixation, screws, plates or pins. 
  • A hand fracture occurs when there is trauma to one of the 19 bones of the hand. 
  • Common Symptoms
    • Pain, tenderness, bruising and swelling following an injury in the fingers and hand.
    • Stiffness or inability to bend or straighten the fingers.
    • In a more severe fracture, the finger may have an unusual bump or be positioned at an odd angle.

Common Treatments may include:
  • Depending upon the severity of the fracture or the degree of stability of the fracture, use of a finger brace, splint, orthotic or cast at all times until the bone has healed (approximately 5-6 weeks following injury)
  • If the fractured bones are so offset that they can not be held in stable alignment with a cast, surgery may be required to stabilize the fracture.
  • Following the immobilization period, treatment may include:
    • Regaining mobility of the joints that had to be immobilized while the fracture healed.
    • Gradually regaining strength in the hand, wrist and arm.
    • Use of Heat and cold 
      • Use cold packs for acute pain or swelling.
      • Use heat packs to control more chronic pain or relax the muscles.
    • Wearing compression sleeves or Isotoner gloves at night may help control swelling and provide a comforting, neutral warmth.
    • Modalities such as ultrasound and paraffin to reduce inflammation and pain.
    • Scar management techniques if surgery was required.
    • Techniques to reduce swelling such as using a compression glove or sleeve or cold packs.

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