Tendons & Hand Fracture

Hand trauma is a common injury that can occur from a variety of causes, including accidents, falls, and sports injuries. At Saudi German Hospital, our team of hand surgeons and specialists are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to individuals with hand trauma.

Fractures of the Hand

A hand fracture denotes a break within one of the hand's bones. This encompasses:

• The phalanges, which are the small bones comprising the fingers.
• The metacarpals, which are the elongated bones within the palm.

A fractured hand can result from various factors, such as a fall, a crushing incident, a twisting injury, or direct impact during sports activities.

In numerous instances, a hand fracture will heal effectively through non-surgical approaches. The treatment strategy depends on the fracture's type and location. This might involve utilizing a cast, splint, or buddy straps for a specific duration. Conversely, for more severe fractures or cases where the fractured pieces of bone are not properly aligned, surgical intervention may be necessary. The objective of surgery is to realign the fractured bone segments and maintain their alignment until the healing process is complete.

Treatment for Tendon Injuries

The hand's bone structure consists of:

• Phalanges: These minute bones constitute the fingers and thumb. There are two phalanges in the thumb and three within each finger.
• Metacarpals: These are the five bones positioned in the hand's palm. They serve as the connection between the fingers and the hand-wrist area.

Among hand fractures, the most prevalent one is a fracture of the fifth metacarpal, which supports the little finger. Commonly known as a "boxer's fracture," this injury typically involves the bone's "neck," situated next to the knuckle joint. A boxer's fracture often results from punching or striking a solid object while the hand is clenched into a fist. It can also be triggered by a fall, a motor vehicle accident, or other traumatic incidents.

Treatment for Hand Trauma

• Emergency care: Our emergency department is equipped to provide immediate care for hand trauma, including wound cleaning, splinting, and pain management.
• Surgery: Our hand surgeons have extensive experience in performing a variety of surgical procedures to repair hand trauma, including the repair of fractures, ligament and tendon injuries, and nerve injuries.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy plays an important role in the recovery process after hand surgery. Our physical therapists will work with you to help improve the strength, range of motion, and function of your hand.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help individuals with hand trauma to adapt to their condition and perform daily activities. Our occupational therapists will work with you to help you learn new ways to perform tasks and to make adaptations to your home and work environment.
• Prosthetics: In cases where surgery is not possible, prosthetics can be used to improve the function and appearance of the hand. Our team of prosthetists will work with you to design and fit a prosthetic hand that is tailored to your individual needs.

We understand that every patient is unique and our team will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome and improve your quality of life.

Hand Injury Management

A hand fracture emerges when a bone is subjected to sufficient force to break it.

• Pain and rigidity
• Difficulty in maneuvering the hand, wrist, and/or fingers
• Infrequent deformities like a misaligned finger

Therapeutic Approaches

For diagnosis and treatment determination, medical assessment and x-rays are generally imperative. Depending on the fracture type, various treatment modalities might be suggested by a hand surgeon:

• Stable fractures may be addressed using a cast or splint
• Unstable fractures, where the bone has shifted, might necessitate non-surgical realignment with wires or pins
• Severe fractures may demand surgery involving pins, plates, or screws to reposition and stabilize bone fragments

In cases where bone loss or severe crushing occurs, a bone graft procedure may be indispensable, involving the transfer of bone from another body part.

Recovery from Hand Trauma

During recovery, the emergence of a bony lump, termed a "fracture callus," is normal at the fracture site. This lump typically diminishes over time.

Potential complications during the healing process encompass:

• Stiffness
• Shifting of bone fragments
• Risk of infection
• Delays in healing

To maximize the prospects of a robust recuperation, refraining from smoking and diligently adhering to medical directives are advised. Hand therapy might also be recommended by your doctor to facilitate recovery.

It's noteworthy that not all fractures achieve complete healing. Due to the interconnection between bones, ligaments, and tendons, the hand might remain rigid and feeble post-healing. Certain fractures could even contribute to future arthritis. Moreover, fractures in children might intermittently influence the subsequent growth of the affected bone.