Hand Fractures

Hand Fracture Overview

A hand fracture or broken hand occurs when one of the hand bones is broken. Like all fractures, a hand fracture should be seen by a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible. Early treatment reduces symptoms and starts the bone healing process.

Symptoms & Causes

Hand fracture symptoms occur immediately after the fracture. They may include:

• Bruising
• Inability to make a fist
• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Visible hand/finger deformities

Long-term symptom relief does not occur unless the fracture is properly treated.

Common hand fracture causes include:

• A direct blow to the hand
• Crush injuries
• Landing on a closed fist
• Punching a solid object

Hand fractures are commonly sustained during sports, combat sports and manual labor.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options treat most hand fractures. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA hand specialist may recommend:

• Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
• Immobilization in a cast or splint
• Pain and anti-inflammatory medications

Fractures that do not align properly may require surgical intervention. A CONA hand specialist realigns and fixates the fractured bone. A splint is placed on the hand to immobilize and protect it while the bone heals.

Diagnosis:

A fractured hand diagnosis is a straight-forward process. A CONA specialist:

• Obtains an injury report
• Examines the hand
• Orders and analyzes multiple view x-rays

The fracture is located, fracture severity is determined, and an official diagnosis is made.