# Hand Fracture

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/hand-fracture/
- Published: 2019-01-17T20:01:14-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Hand Fractures

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### Hand Fracture Overview

A hand fracture or broken hand occurs when one of the hand bones is broken. Like
all fractures, a hand fracture should be seen by a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical
Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible. Early treatment reduces 
symptoms and starts the bone healing process.

## **Symptoms & Causes**

Hand fracture symptoms occur immediately after the fracture. They may include:

 * Bruising
 * Inability to make a fist
 * Pain
 * Swelling
 * Tenderness
 * Visible hand/finger deformities

Long-term symptom relief does not occur unless the fracture is properly treated.

Common hand fracture causes include:

 * A direct blow to the hand
 * Crush injuries
 * Landing on a closed fist
 * Punching a solid object

Hand fractures are commonly sustained during sports, combat sports and manual labor.

## **Common Treatments:**

Nonsurgical treatment options treat most hand fractures. After a thorough evaluation,
a CONA hand specialist may recommend:

 * Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
 * Immobilization in a cast or splint
 * Pain and anti-inflammatory medications

Fractures that do not align properly may require surgical intervention. A CONA hand
specialist realigns and fixates the fractured bone. A splint is placed on the hand
to immobilize and protect it while the bone heals.

## **Diagnosis:**

A fractured hand diagnosis is a straight-forward process. A CONA specialist:

 * Obtains an injury report
 * Examines the hand
 * Orders and analyzes multiple view x-rays

The fracture is located, fracture severity is determined, and an official diagnosis
is made.