Hand > Finger Fracture

What is a Finger Fracture?

A finger fracture is any injury that causes a break in the bones of your fingers. There are several types of finger fractures, and they occur most commonly in the phalanges, which are the bones that run from the length of your fingers, and the metacarpals, which are the bones that extend from your wrist to your fingers. The following are types of finger fractures:

   Avulsion - The muscle, ligament or tendon pulls part of the bone away from its attachment.

   Comminuted - The fracture features more than two bone fragments.

   Compression - The bone has been broken into many pieces.

   Impacted - The ends of the bone are driven into each other.

   Closed fracture - The affected bone does not pierce the skin.

   Compound, or open, fracture - Part of the bone has broken through the skin.

   Pathological - Disease has weakened the bone and made it susceptible to fracture.

Finger fractures are caused by a direct blow to the fingers, usually as the result of a fall or collision. The type of injury that causes the fracture will also determine the type of fracture that has occurred. For example, a direct blow generally causes a certain type of fracture while a sideways or twisting blow will cause a different type of fracture.

Orthopedic Evaluation

There usually are three parts to an orthopedic evaluation: medical history, a physical examination, and tests that your doctor may order.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Your physician will ask about the activities that caused your injury. You will be asked how the injury occurred, and whether you have had similar injuries in the past. It is important to describe your symptoms as accurately as possible to aid your physician in making a diagnosis. Physicians also typically ask about other conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, and allergies, and medications currently being taken. You may also be asked about your physical and athletic goals ¡V information that will help your physician decide what treatment might be best for you in achieving those goals.

If you suspect you have suffered a fractured finger, your physician will make a thorough examination to determine which bone was affected and what type of fracture you have. You may be asked to make a fist or leave your hand in a resting position, so that your physician can check for deformities or misalignment. Your physician also may feel the affected area for tenderness, which will aid in assessing the extent of damage to the soft tissues surrounding the bone. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be injected into your wrist or hand before the physical exam is conducted.

TESTS

X-rays are essential in diagnosing finger fractures, and your physician will most likely order these from several different angles. You may be asked to hold your hand at an angle while the X-rays are being taken.

Since finger fractures are acute injuries that often occur during athletic competition, it is important to take precautions immediately to prevent complications. If there are no medical personnel in attendance, do not try to treat the injury yourself. Try to keep your hand elevated to restrict blood flow to the injured area. If possible, take an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and apply ice to the finger to reduce pain and swelling. A compound fracture, in which the bone has broken through the skin, should only be inspected and probed by medical professionals using sterile instruments. To avoid infection or complications, do not attempt to handle or manipulate a compound fracture yourself.

With broken bones, it is important to remember that the healing process cannot be rushed. Trying to take shortcuts or returning to strenuous physical activity before a fracture is fully healed can have serious consequences.