What is a hand fracture?
A hand fracture occurs when one of the bones in the hand, such as the small bones in the fingers (phalanges) or the longer bones in the palm (metacarpals), breaks due to various reasons like a fall, crush injury, twisting, or direct impact during sports.
Typically, nonsurgical methods are effective in healing many hand fractures. Treatment may involve wearing a cast, splint, or buddy straps for a specific duration. However, for more severe fractures or those that don’t align properly, surgery might be necessary to realign the fractured pieces of bone and maintain their position until they heal.
What are the available treatments for a broken hand?
If the broken ends of your bone aren’t properly aligned, your doctor will need to realign them, a process called reduction. Depending on your level of pain and swelling, you may require a local or general anaesthetic for this procedure.
Regardless of your treatment, it’s important to keep your fingers moving regularly while the fracture heals to prevent stiffness. If you smoke, quitting is advised as smoking can slow down or prevent bone healing.
1. Immobilisation
Immobilisation is crucial for proper healing, usually achieved through a splint or cast. Keeping your hand elevated above heart level can help reduce swelling and pain.
2. Medications
For pain relief, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or, if necessary, stronger medications like opioids. However, long-term use of NSAIDs for pain relief might interfere with bone healing, so it’s essential to consult your doctor.
In case of an open fracture (where the skin is broken near the fracture), you’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
3. Therapy
After the cast or splint is removed, rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy may be necessary to reduce stiffness and restore movement in your hand. Complete healing may take several months.
4. Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required to implant pins, plates, rods, or screws to hold the bones in place during healing. Bone grafts might also be used to aid healing, especially in complex fractures or those involving damage to surrounding tissues.
Regular monitoring with X-rays is common to ensure the bones stay aligned. If there’s any shifting, further treatment, such as additional surgery, may be needed.
How does the doctor determine the best treatment option?
Your doctor will consider several factors when deciding on the most suitable treatment for your fractured hand. These factors include the specific type of fracture you have, such as whether it’s a simple or complex fracture, as well as its location within the hand. Additionally, your overall health and any pre-existing medical conditions will be considered to ensure that the chosen treatment plan is safe and effective for you.
Furthermore, your doctor will discuss your individual needs and goals with you to create a personalised treatment approach. This may involve weighing factors such as your occupation, lifestyle, and activity level to determine the most appropriate course of action.
By tailoring the treatment plan to your unique circumstances, your doctor aims to optimise the outcome of the fracture healing process. This personalised approach helps ensure that you receive the best possible care and support throughout your recovery journey.
How does a Hand Therapist aid in the recovery after a fracture?
As mentioned earlier, therapy is one of the available treatment options for a broken hand. Yes, hand therapists play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process following a fractured hand. They are skilled in assessing hand function and designing personalised treatment programs to optimise recovery. Hand Therapy may include exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual techniques to reduce swelling and pain, and education on proper hand care and injury prevention.
How long does it take for a fractured hand to heal?
The duration of hand healing varies based on several factors; the specific bone that was fractured, the cause of the fracture, the type of treatment required, and additional injuries sustained. Typically, most hand fractures require approximately one to two months to heal. It’s essential to discuss a personalised recovery timeline with your healthcare provider or surgeon.
Even after the bone has healed, full recovery and the ability to resume normal activities may take some time. For many individuals, returning to physical activities, such as sports, is feasible after approximately eight weeks, or about two months. Before resuming any physical activities, especially if the fracture occurred during a specific sport or activity, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Recovering from a fractured hand can be a challenging journey, but with the right treatment and support, you can regain full function and resume your normal activities. Remember to follow your doctor’s recommendations and actively participate in Hand Therapy sessions to maximise your recovery. If you’re in Singapore and seeking expert Hand Therapy services, consider reaching out to a qualified podiatrist for personalised care and guidance. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
References
Khan WS, Malik A. Recent advances and developments in hand surgery. Open Orthop J. 2012;6:11-3. doi: 10.2174/1874325001206010011. Epub 2012 Feb 23. PMID: 22431947; PMCID: PMC3293239.
Kooner P, Grewal R. Is Therapy Needed After Distal Radius Fracture Treatment, What Is the Evidence? Hand Clin. 2021 May;37(2):309-314. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2021.02.012. PMID: 33892883.
