A broken bone in your hand can occur from various incidents. These injuries can occur from a fall, a sports injury, or an accident like slamming your hand in a door. Blunt force trauma can also cause this injury. These fractures can affect your fingers, knuckles, or wrist. As a result, you may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your hand properly.
However, not all hand fractures require surgery. For many individuals, a splint could provide the necessary solution. Let us discuss when a splint may suffice and when surgery becomes necessary.
Understanding Hand Fractures
The hand is made up of 27 bones, including the delicate bones of the fingers. When these bones break, it is usually caused by physical trauma. This may happen from a direct blow, falling onto an outstretched hand, or repeated stress placed on it. Common symptoms of hand fractures include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving your fingers.
Hand fractures can be split into the following categories:
- Simple Fractures: The bone breaks cleanly without damaging surrounding tissue.
- Complex Fractures: Involve multiple bone fragments, misalignment, or damage to nearby ligaments and tendons.
Diagnosing the type and extent of the fracture is important. This can be done through a physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays, to determine the right treatment path.
Treatment Options for Hand Fractures
Splinting
Splinting is a treatment used to keep the hand still, giving the bone time to heal on its own. A splint temporarily stabilizes the injured area. It is particularly useful in cases of minor fractures or when swelling needs to subside. Normally, this is done before applying a more permanent solution, like a cast.
When Is splinting the Best Option
Splinting is ideal for stable fractures. This includes cases where the bone alignment is not severely disrupted. It protects the hand while waiting for the swelling to go down. This can be helpful before further evaluation by a specialist.
Benefits of Splinting Include:
- Non-invasive and easy to apply.
- Provides flexibility during the initial healing stages.
- Less restrictive than casting, making it an attractive option for some individuals.
However, splinting may not always be the final solution. After the swelling decreases, many fractures are transitioned to casts or other immobilization methods. These provide prolonged support during healing.
Surgery
During surgery, a physician may use pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone in place and correct its alignment. While surgical intervention is more invasive than splinting, it ensures a more precise repair. This is especially important for injuries that would otherwise struggle to heal correctly.
When Is Surgery the Best Option
Surgery is typically best for complex or severe fractures. These fractures cannot be managed by immobilization alone. This might include fractures that are very misaligned, involve many bone fragments, or extend into the joints. In these cases, a splint will likely not be enough.
Surgery is also more likely if the hand is badly crushed, if there are multiple breaks, or if the injury could lead to long-term problems with movement or grip. An orthopedic doctor will look at your X-rays and help decide whether surgery is the best way to make sure your hand heals well and works like it should.
Benefits of Surgery Include:
- Proper alignment of complex fractures.
- Reduced chance of long-term complications, such as loss of function or arthritis.
- Faster recovery in cases requiring sophisticated bone positioning.
It is important to note that surgery often requires more intensive follow-up care. It may involve physical therapy to help regain full movement and strength.
The Role of Casting in Hand Fractures
There can be some confusion about splints and casts, but they serve different purposes. Splints are generally used for short-term stabilization, especially when swelling is significant. Casts, on the other hand, provide full support for longer-term healing. It is not unusual for an individual to have their broken bone in a cast once they have received initial treatment, such as after surgery.
It is rare for splints to be used on a broken hand bone, except for very minor fractures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Healing from a hand fracture takes time. However, proper aftercare can significantly improve outcomes, whether surgery, splinting, or casting was used.
Here is what to keep in mind:
- Consistency Matters: Attend follow-up appointments to ensure the bones are healing properly.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening and moving the hand again helps you get back to full use.
- Nutritional Support: Eating a healthy diet with enough calcium and vitamin D can help your bones heal.
- Patience Is Key: Avoid rushing to use the injured hand before receiving clearance from your doctor.
Following the right recovery steps helps avoid problems. It also makes it easier to get back to your normal activities.
Broken Bone in Hand Treatment in Bethesda, Germantown, & Rockville, MD
Whether your broken bone requires a splint or surgery, the ultimate goal remains the same. Treatment for a broken hand focuses on getting your hand working properly again. Splints are excellent for minor fractures, offering non-invasive and cost-effective treatment. However, surgery becomes essential for severe cases. It also helps prevent long-term problems and ensures your hand stays functional in the future.
When it comes to your hand health, do not settle for anything less than expert care. Trust The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division’s Dr. Peter Fitzgibbons. We offer both fiberglass and removable cast options to suit your needs. The best ortho doctor near you will guide you every step of the way. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (301) 515-0900 or schedule an appointment online. Your recovery starts here.
We look forward to serving you!
