A hand fracture occurs when one of the 27 bones in the hand breaks. These bones include the small phalanges (finger bones), metacarpals (the middle bones of the hand), and carpal bones (the wrist bones that connect to the hand). Hand fractures can result from trauma (such as falls, direct blows, or accidents) and are often classified by their severity and location. Hand fractures are common and can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities, from typing and writing to gripping and lifting. If you’ve recently suffered a hand fracture, finding expert care is crucial and will help ensure proper healing and restore full function to the hand. At OrthoGeorgia, our orthopedic hand and upper extremity specialists in Central GA offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for hand fractures, providing patients with the best possible outcomes.
What are the Symptoms of a Hand Fracture?
The symptoms of a hand fracture can vary depending on the location and severity of the break. The way your fracture is classified and treated depends on which hand bones were broken. For example, a boxer’s fracture is a break in the neck of the metacarpal bone (usually caused by punching or hitting an object), a phalangeal fracture is a break in one of the finger bones, and a carpal bone fracture affects the wrist bones and can occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand. No matter what part of your hand has been injured, you will likely experience some of the following symptoms:
Pain and Tenderness: The affected area may be painful to touch or move.
Swelling: The hand may become swollen and stiff.
Bruising or Discoloration: The skin around the fracture site may appear bruised or discolored.
Inability to Move the Hand or Fingers: Limited range of motion and difficulty gripping objects are common.
Numbness or Tingling: If a fracture compresses nearby nerves, you may experience numbness and tingling in the area.
Deformity: The hand or fingers may appear misshapen or bent at an unusual angle.
How are Hand Fractures Diagnosed?
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should seek immediate care from an orthopedic specialist in order to prevent further damage. Early diagnosis and treatment will help you avoid future complications such as stiffness, misalignment, or long-term loss of function. Diagnosing a hand fracture begins with a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist. At OrthoGeorgia, our experienced hand surgeons and specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques to determine the extent of the injury and help patients find relief. The diagnostic process for hand fractures normally includes:
Medical History Review and Physical Examination: The physician will review your symptoms and perform a physical exam to assess pain, swelling, and deformity.
Imaging Studies:
X-Ray: This is the most common imaging tool used to confirm the location and type of a fracture. Digital X-ray services are available on-site at all of our locations.
CT Scan or MRI: In more complex cases, advanced imaging may be used to assess soft tissue damage or small fractures not visible on X-rays. CT scans are available at our Macon Spine and Orthopaedic Center, and MRI scans are available in Macon and Warner Robins.
Treatment for Hand Fractures in Central GA
At OrthoGeorgia, we offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to the unique needs of each patient. We will assess the type and severity of your hand fracture and use our diagnostic insights to determine the best next steps for your care. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
Nonsurgical Hand Fracture Treatment
Many hand fractures can heal without surgery using conservative treatment methods. Nonsurgical treatment is usually effective for stable fractures that are not significantly displaced. Treatment options include:
Closed Reduction: If the bones are misaligned, your doctor may perform a closed reduction, manually realigning the bones without the need for surgery. A local or general anesthetic may be used depending on the amount of pain and swelling.
Immobilization: Splints, casts, or braces may be used to keep the hand in a stable position while the bones heal.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
Physical Therapy: Once the fracture heals, rehabilitation exercises are usually necessary to restore strength, mobility, and function. Our hand and upper extremity care team includes occupational therapists and certified hand therapists who work with our patients to restore range of motion, strength, coordination, and more following a hand injury. Hand and upper extremity therapy is available at OrthoGeorgia in Macon, Warner Robins, and Kathleen.
Surgery for Hand Fractures
In some cases, surgery is required to properly align and stabilize the fractured hand bones. Our skilled surgeons at OrthoGeorgia use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce recovery time and minimize scarring. If your doctor believes that surgery is the best way to treat your hand fracture, they will walk you through your options and ensure that you are comfortable and confident with your care plan. Surgical treatment may involve:
Internal Fixation: Pins, screws, or plates may be used to hold the bones in place while they heal.
External Fixation: A device positioned outside the body and connected to the bones may be used to stabilize complex fractures.
Bone Grafts: If the fracture results in bone loss, a bone graft may be needed to promote healing.
Other Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
Our multidisciplinary team of orthopedic specialists, surgeons, and therapists works together to provide personalized orthopedic care for every patient. In addition to hand fractures, OrthoGeorgia provides expert care for a wide range of hand and upper extremity conditions and injuries. Whether you’ve recently broken your hand or have been dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome for years, the members of our team are here for you. Our hand and upper extremity specialties include:
Macon
