A finger fracture is a break in any of the bones in a finger. Each finger consists of three bones called the phalanges. The thumb has only two phalanges.
Causes
A finger fracture is caused by trauma to the finger. Trauma includes:
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Falls
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Blows
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Collisions
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Severe twists
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
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Pain, often severe
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Swelling and tenderness
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Inability to move finger well without pain, or difficulty moving finger
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Possible deformity at fracture site
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred, and will examine the injured finger. The doctor may order x-rays of the finger to determine which bones are broken and the type of fracture.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:
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Putting the pieces of the bone back in place, which in some cases may require anesthesia and/or surgery
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Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself
The doctor will put the bones back into place. This is usually done without surgery. However, if your fracture is severe, you may need pins, screws, or small plates to hold the bones in place. Each of these will require surgery, though pins may only require minor surgery, performed under local anesthesia.
Your finger will be put in a splint or cast to hold your finger motionless and to protect it. You will need to wear the splint or cast as long as your doctor recommends (usually three weeks). Your doctor may order x-rays during the healing time to ensure that the bones have not shifted position.
Exercises
When your doctor decides you are ready, start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. This is as important as the surgery performed. In certain situations, you may be referred to a physical therapist to assist you with these exercises.
Prevention
To help prevent finger fractures:
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Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the fingers:
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Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
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Do weight-bearing and upper body-strengthening exercises to build strong bones.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org
References:
ACR Appropriateness Criteria™ for acute hand and wrist trauma. National Guideline Clearinghouse webiste. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=3262&nbr=2488. Accessed October 13, 2005.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org. Accessed October 13, 2005.
