HWN Suggests

Pediatric Finger Fractures Which Ones Turn Ugly?

The majority of pediatric finger fractures can be treated with closed means. Buckle fractures of the phalanges are inherently stable and amenable to many forms of closed immobilization, ranging from buddy taping to splints or casts. Many displaced fractures can be treated with closed immobilization without reduction, given the remodeling potential in young children. For instance, a metacarpal neck fracture angulated at 30 degrees of flexion in a 10-year-old boy will remodel completely without reduction. Many fractures that are displaced enough to require reduction are stable after reduction because of the thick periosteal sleeve. For example, a Salter-Harris type 2 fracture of the small finger…

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Articles of Interest

Common Finger Fractures and Dislocations

Uncomplicated distal phalanx fractures, caused by a crush injury to the end of the finger, require splinting of the distal interphalangeal joint for four to six weeks. Uncomplicated dorsal avulsion fractures (mallet finger) of the distal interphalangeal joint, caused by forced flexion against resistance, require strict splint immobilization for eight weeks. Flexor digitorum profundus fractures are caused by forceful extension of the distal interphalangeal joint when in a flexed position, resulting in an avulsion fracture at the volar base of the distal phalanx, and usually require surgery.

Emergency finger fractures – An easy fix

I have never had a complication using this simple device as described. It can be autoclaved numerous times before some slight rusting is noted. It can then, of course, be retired back to the workshop, where there are no cosmetic concerns, to continue its useful existence.

Finger Fractures

Your hand consists of 27 bones: eight bones in your wrist (carpals), five bones in the palm of your hand (metacarpals), and 14 bones in your fingers (phalanges). Fractures of the metacarpal bone that leads to the little finger account for about one-third of all hand fractures in adults.

Finger Fractures

Management of finger fractures varies in relation to the fracture site and characteristics. In case of a stable fracture without misalignment surgery is not required and treatment with a hand cast or splint provided with a metal finger extension will last for 3-4 weeks.

Finger fractures: Epidemiology and treatment based on 21341 fractures from the Swedish Fracture register

The most common finger fracture was of the base of the 5th finger, followed by the distal phalanx in the 4th finger. Open fractures were most common in the distal phalanges, especially in the 3rd finger. Intraarticular fractures were most frequent in the middle phalanges. Fall accidents was the most common cause of a fracture

Finger Injuries

Routine assessment of tendon/ligament function is important in all patients with finger trauma: significant injury can occur even in the absence of fracture.

Phalangeal Finger Fractures

This Guideline is for fractures of the phalanges of the ulnar four digits (index, middle, ring and little fingers).

SplintER Series: Finger pain

Stable, non-displaced transverse fractures can be managed with buddy-taping and early protected motion after pain and swelling subside

‘It’s just a finger isn’t it…’: patients’ perspectives of recovery following finger fractures and participation in surgical trials – a qualitative interview study

The results of this study showed that although finger injuries are frequently seen as minor by patients and healthcare professionals, their effects on peoples’ lives are possibly greater than first anticipated.