Medical

Symptoms and treatment of finger bone fractures

They are called finger bones or phalanges. Each finger has three phalanges or straps except the thumb, which has only two phalanges.

When a finger is broken, one or more bones of the finger joint are damaged. Finger fractures make up 10% of bone fractures. A broken finger’s symptoms are usually accompanied by rapid pain after a finger injury and can sometimes change the finger’s shape.

finger bone fractures

Fractures usually occur due to a wrist injury. Fractures occur in any of the phalanges or in the finger joints where the phalanges connect. If the damage is severe, the broken bone is exposed to soft tissue. If pain or swelling restricts the finger’s movement or use, the finger becomes numb, the soft tissue becomes bruised, and you should see a doctor.

 

Bumps are among the most common causes of finger fractures that occur while playing, injury at work, pushing something, falling, or crashing.

 

Finger fractures are usually detectable with X-rays, and if you read in the Wet Health section, the treatment for a fracture depends on the type of fracture, the amount of impact, and the specific bone of the injured finger. . Of course, osteoporosis and malnutrition have a significant effect on bone fracture damage. In cases where the finger is deformed, or the joint is damaged, surgery may be needed.

 

Problems after a finger fracture include joint stiffness, rotation, and infection.

After about 4 to 6 weeks, the fracture gradually heals.

The best way to prevent a broken finger is to take care of it as much as possible. Always use safety equipment when doing activities so that your hands are not injured.

 

Different types of fractures

According to studies conducted by the American Society of Hand Surgery, the number of different fracture compounds is very high. Types of finger fracture categories include the following:

 

Bone condition

Non-displacement fracture (permanent fracture): The bone completely cracks or breaks but is fixed in place and does not move.

 

Displaced fracture:

The bone splits into separate pieces and comes out of its original position.

 

Multiple fractures:

A broken bone breaks into three or more parts and moves.

 

Damaged fracture:

The broken end of a bone sinks into another bone.

 

Shear fracture:

The bone moves in two different directions with the applied pressure and is divided into two halves.

 

Closed fracture:

Broken bone skin remains intact and healthy.

 

Open fracture:

Wounds form on visible skin and bone.

 

What are the symptoms of a broken finger?

This fracture is usually accompanied by pain that increases with movement, and the severity of the pain depends on the extent of the fracture.

Usually, 5 to 10 minutes after a fracture, the finger’s swelling, and bruising appear, and the finger gradually hardens. Swelling may also affect adjacent fingers.

Finger numbness may also be due to bruising or sometimes due to swelling.

A fracture in the fingertip causes the nail to break, and its symptoms are swelling and bruising that occurs under the nail.

5If the blow is severe, the bone of your hand will be severely injured.

finger bone fractures

How common is a finger fracture?

Because most fingers are easily injured, most emergency room fractures are due to bone fractures. Fractures of the fingers and palms are among the most common types of fractures, accounting for 10% of them because the hands are used to perform daily activities on all parts of the body and are therefore more prone to injury. They will be.

 

Hand injuries are divided into three parts:

  1. The wrist has eight bones that move together to create a wide range of wrist movements.
  2. The palm or middle of the hand has muscular connections that are a bridge to connect the wrist bone to the fingers. The palm is damaged by contact with objects.
  3. The third part is the most vulnerable fingers.

 

Who is most at risk for a broken finger?

People with weak bones such as the elderly, people with calcium deficiency, people who work hard with their hands, such as athletes and workers

Also, in some sports, the risk of finger fracture is higher, such as:

Volleyball, football, hockey, rugby, basketball, baseball, boxing, skiing, wrestling, and snowboarding.

 

When to see a doctor?

  • Pain and swelling after an injury
  • Inability to move a finger
  • Finger numbness
  • Finger piercing
  • The appearance of broken bones
  • Low pain but the possibility of fractures

 

What is the treatment for a finger fracture?

A doctor should examine broken fingers to reduce pain as much as possible. An ice pack can be used on the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation. Of course, ice should not be placed directly on the skin. Be sure to put a towel between your ice and your finger.

Usually, the doctor plasters your finger in this situation so that you do not move it. As the Ministry of Wet Health explained, you can also place something like an automatic or automatic pen next to your finger before holding it to the doctor to keep your finger in the correct position. In this case, the finger should not be too tight because it increases the risk of injury.

 

Treatment of finger fracture by a physician

The doctor first examines the fracture resistance of the finger. Treatment also depends on the type of fracture and the specific bone fracture. For treatment, two fingers are usually plastered together and traditionally left in the cast for four weeks. It is recommended that you restrict your hand’s movement up to two weeks later, and then the surgeon performs various finger surgery techniques. After the surgery, they look at the new bone position with X-rays.

 

Surgery is needed to treat a fracture of the finger bone in the following cases:

  • Open, displaced, or unstable fracture
  • Loosening of bone fragments Joint damage
  • The fracture is crushed
  • Damage to ligaments or tendons
  • Multiple fractures

An orthopedic surgeon or hand surgeon will determine the best treatment for complex hand fractures. Screws, pins, and wires can be used in surgery. Proper diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy programs significantly impact maintaining bone fracture function and strength and preventing deformity.

 

What are the problems after a finger fracture?

  • Joint stiffness
  • Wound soft tissue damage
  • Finger deformation
  • Fingerbone rotation
  • Deform and reduce the ability to use the finger
  • It takes a long time for the bones to heal and heal
  • Probability of infection

 

Prevention of finger fractures

Proper diet and adequate vitamin D and calcium intake are essential to maintain healthy bones and prevent them from becoming brittle.

Athletes and workers should take precautions to prevent hand fractures.

People who have difficulty walking and are at risk of falling to the ground can experience minor walking damage by doing physical therapy and using assistive devices.

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