Hand Fracture Treatment Doctor | 🩺Singapore Sports & Orthopaedic Surgeon

What is the Treatment for Hand Fracture?

The aim of treatment is to restore function to the hand as quickly as possible. There may be a number of people involved in your care as part of the Hand Surgery team.

When you are first seen an assessment will be made of the injury. This includes a physical examination and x-rays. Treatment will depend on the nature of the fracture sustained this includes assessment of which bone is involved, the site of the fracture in the bone, the amount of any deformity, whether more than one bone has been broken and any other associated injuries that may have occurred. Your treating surgeon will discuss the options for treatment and advise on the most appropriate for you.

The initial treatment is likely to be immobilised in a plaster of paris splint and elevated using a sling. It is important to elevate the hand to help reduce the swelling.

Many fractures can be treated without an operation. The simplest treatment may be to move the fingers straight away. A splint may be needed for a period of time.

Some fractures will be treated by an operation. The details of the operation will be provided by your surgeon.

The operations can be grouped into two methods:

In the first method the fracture is reduced into a satisfactory position by manipulation and the hand is then either splinted or thin pins (k-wires) inserted through the skin and across the fracture to hold it in the right position. Occasionally a special splint is made to produce traction of the fracture.

In the second method the fracture is exposed by an incision through the skin. The fracture is reduced by direct vision and then held in place with screws and plates.

There are many different ways implants can be used and this will depend on the configuration of the fracture and any associated soft tissue injuries. Your surgeon will explain which method has been used and why. Pins are usually removed. This is done either in the clinic or, if they are left under the skin, by a second small operation. Screws and plates may need removing and your surgeon will be able to advise you in regard to this.

Following any operation you are likely to be in a plaster of paris or splint. You will receive instruction on any exercises to do.

What are the symptoms for Hand Fracture?

Most patients will have pain, swelling, bruising and loss of movement. There may be numbness or pins and needles. There may be an obvious deformity of the fingers or thumb. In an open fracture there will be a wound.