![]() ![]() Complications of Hand Fracturesīecause some fractures require prolonged immobilization in a cast or splint, your hand and fingers may become stiff. Reproduced from Kozin SH, Thoder JJ, Lieberman G: Operative Treatment of Metacarpal and Phalangeal Shaft Fractures. (Right) In this X-ray, the fractures have been repaired with screws. (Left) X-ray shows fractures in the phalanges of two fingers. ![]() Small metal devices - such as wires, screws, pins, staples, and plates - may be used to hold the pieces of fractured bone in place. Your doctor may need to make an incision to help reposition the bone fragments into their normal alignment. Surgery is often necessary for open fractures in which pieces of bone have broken through the skin. Some hand fractures require surgery to realign and stabilize the fracture fragments. You can usually begin gentle hand exercises after 3 weeks. The non-injured finger acts as a “moving splint” to support the injured finger. Some types of fractures can be protected by wearing a removable splint or by being “buddy strapped” to a non-injured finger next to the injured finger. This is done to ensure that the bones are healing in the proper position.ĭepending on the location and stability of the fracture, you may have to wear the cast for 3 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will probably order a second set of X-rays about 1 to 2 weeks later. The cast may extend from your fingertips almost to your elbow to support the bones properly. A cast, splint or brace may be applied to keep the bones in acceptable alignment while they heal. This procedure is called a closed reduction. Strict international rules apply, so be sure to check your airline's rules.If a fracture does not line up in an acceptable position, your doctor can often realign the bone fragments by gently manipulating them back into position without making an incision. If possible, you will receive a splint, brace or removable cast before your plane trip. The pressure difference in a plane at high altitudes can cause your hands and feet to swell, making the cast too tight. If you want to travel by plane, discuss it with your doctor or casting technician first. If you choose to do so anyway, you will not be insured. ![]() Remember that you are not allowed to drive or ride a bicycle with your arm or leg in a cast. Contact the plaster room if you have any questions or if the loose cast is bothering you. As that happens, the cast will become looser. As your fracture heals, the swelling in your arm or leg will subside. There is always a little room to move in the cast. If this happens, follow the advice under the heading “Keep your arm or leg elevated”. The cast may become tighter around your arm or leg. If that happens, your hand, fingers, foot or toes may turn blue. Because blood chooses the easiest route, a bruise can shift. Contact the plaster room if any object gets stuck in the cast.Ī haematoma (bruise) often develops around the fracture.
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