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When it comes to hand fractures, it’s important to know what to do. But first, you need to know what a hand fracture is, what the symptoms can be, and then what to do when you have one. Let’s take a look at answering all those questions here!
What is a Hand Fracture?
A hand fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the hand. It can occur in any of the 27 bones in the hand, including the carpal bones, metacarpal bones, and phalanges (finger bones). Most hand fractures are caused by trauma, like a fall, crush injury, or direct blow to the hand.
There are four types of hand fractures:
- Stable fractures: the bone pieces remain in place
- Unstable fractures: the bone pieces have shifted
- Comminuted fractures: the bone has broken into many small pieces
- Compound fractures: the bone has broken through the skin
What are the Common Symptoms of a Hand Fracture?
The symptoms of a hand fracture can include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and stiffness in the affected area. You might also experience a limited range of motion or numbness and tingling in the area that’s fractured. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
How Are Hand Fractures Diagnosed?
At Regional Hand Center, we use a variety of diagnostic tests to diagnose a hand fracture. This may include a physical examination, X-rays, CT scans, and/or MRIs. Your doctor will use these tests to identify the location, type, and severity of the fracture.
What are the Treatment Options for a Hand Fracture?
The treatment for a hand fracture depends on the type and severity of the fracture. In some cases, your doctor may recommend non-surgical treatments, such as splinting and immobilization. These methods of treatment are used for fractures that are not displaced, meaning that the bones remain in the normal position. Splinting and immobilization help protect the fracture from further injury and allow it to heal in the proper position.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture. Our experienced orthopedic surgeons can perform a variety of surgical procedures to repair hand fractures, including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
ORIF is used to realign the broken bones. It holds the bones in place with pins, screws, plates, or wires.
Schedule a Consultation
At Regional Hand Center, we understand that hand fractures can be a painful and disruptive experience. Our team of fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeons is here to provide you with the best care and treatment options available.
Whether you’re dealing with a hand fracture or another issue with your hand, we are more than happy to help.
To schedule a consultation today, call our Fresno or Visalia office or use our online contact form.
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