Hand Fractures
The hand is arguably the most mechanically complex orthopedic structure in the body. It’s not a coincidence that Hand Surgeons undergo five years of orthopedic or plastic surgery training followed by an additional one or two years of Hand Fellowship before mastering the assessment and treatment of these injuries - Christopher S. Courtney MD
image by: Emergency Medicine Cases
HWN Suggests
Can't Miss Hand and Wrist Fractures in the ED
In the emergency department, orthopedic complaints make up a large percentage of presentations, up to 50% in the pediatric population and close to 33% in the adolescent and young adult population. Many of these injuries are uncomplicated, but an astute clinician can diagnose subtle and uncommon injury patterns. Three less common injuries are reviewed here. If found, these injuries can alter the management and disposition of the patient. Each of these injuries should be carefully assessed for on physical exam and imaging.
Articles of Interest
Hand Fracture Management in the ED
Hand fractures, a frequent emergency department complaint, are the most common fractures of the body and account for about 1.5% of all emergency room visits and 40% of upper extremity fractures. Hand fractures occur in all age groups, although fractures in young children should prompt suspicion of child abuse. Fractures of the phalanges are the most common hand fractures.
Hand Fractures
Most hand fractures can be treated nonoperatively by means of closed manipulation, splinting, and protected motion. Certain fracture patterns, however, are best treated by operative intervention. The goals of treatment remain the same and include accurate reduction, stabilization, wound treatment, and early mobilization. Inability to achieve or maintain reduction in the so-called safe or functional position denotes that a fracture is unstable.
Resources
Charms
If you play contact sports like boxing or rugby or have a disease that causes your bones to weaken and become more fragile (osteoporosis), you may be more prone to fracture bones of the hand.
