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.
A hand fracture denotes a break within one of the hand's bones. This encompasses:
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.
The hand's bone structure consists of:
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.
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.
A hand fracture emerges when a bone is subjected to sufficient force to break it.
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:
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.
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:
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.
Disturbances of the grasping function can be congenital or acquired.
Disturbances of the gripping function can occur:
Depending on the damage, the two basic functions are impaired to different degrees – grip functions and tactile gnosis. Disturbances in the thumb and / or finger area lead to a reduction in higher and a predominance of simpler grip shapes.
All options of non-operative (conservative) and operative hand surgery are available to restore the grip function.