Broken Hand

Diagnosis of a Broken Hand

Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam of the injured hand and X-rays. Your healthcare professional checks for:

• Tenderness, swelling, or deformity

• Range of motion

• Signs of nerve or vascular injury

Other Imaging Tests

Additional imaging may be recommended for more detail:

• CT scan: Detects fractures that X-rays may miss and shows soft tissue or blood vessel injuries by creating detailed cross-sectional images.

• MRI: Uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce highly detailed images of bones, ligaments, and soft tissues. MRI can detect tiny fractures or ligament injuries.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture.

Reduction

• If bone ends are misaligned, a reduction repositions the bones for optimal healing.

• Can be performed with local anesthesia (numbs the area) or general anesthesia (puts you to sleep).

• Sometimes reduction is done during surgery.

• Finger movement is important during healing to prevent stiffness.

Immobilization

• Cast or splint may be needed for several weeks to months.

• Elevation: Keep the hand above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.

Medicines

• Over-the-counter pain relievers for mild pain.

• Opioids for more severe pain (short-term use).

• NSAIDs can reduce pain but may slow bone healing with long-term use. Consult your doctor before taking them.

• Antibiotics for open fractures to prevent infection.

Therapy

• Rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy after removing the cast or splint.

• Goals: restore movement, flexibility, and strength.

• Full recovery may take several months or longer.

Surgical and Other Procedures

Surgery may be needed if:

• Open fracture

• Unstable or displaced fracture

• Loose bone fragments near joints

• Damage to ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels

• Fractures that extend into a joint

Surgical options include:

• Pins, plates, rods, or screws to hold bones in place

• Bone grafts to assist healing

• Even after reduction and immobilization, bones can shift, so X-rays are used to monitor progress. Surgery may be required if this occurs.