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Finger Fracture by Mary Calvagna, MS

Definition

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.

Finger Fracture

Causes

A finger fracture is caused by trauma to the finger. Trauma includes:

Falls
Blows
Collisions
Severe twists

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting an injury.

General risk factors for fractures include:

Advancing age
Postmenopause
Osteoporosis
Poor nutrition
Certain congenital bone conditions
Participating in contact sports
Violence

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Pain, often severe
Swelling and tenderness
Inability to move finger well without pain or difficulty moving finger
Possible deformity at fracture site

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, your physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The injured finger will be examined. 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:

Putting the pieces of the bone back in place, which in some cases may require anesthesia and/or surgery
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. 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 3-6 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.

If you are diagnosed with a finger fracture, follow your doctor's instructions .

Prevention

To help prevent finger fractures:

Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the fingers:
- Learn to practice correct technique in sports. Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or physical activities.
Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D .
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/tabs/Index.aspx

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org/

References:

ACR Appropriateness criteria for acute hand and wrist trauma. National Guideline Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=8275&nbr=004607&string=acute+hand+and+wrist+trauma . Published 1998. Updated 2005. Accessed July 7, 2009.
Fracture of the finger. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00257 . Updated October 2007. Accessed July 7, 2009.

Last reviewed September 2011 by John C. Keel, MD

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