Accidents happen. A fall on the sidewalk, a sports injury, or a mishap at work can lead to a broken bone. When a fracture occurs in your fingers or hand, it can disrupt your daily life. Suddenly, simple tasks like writing, typing, or even getting dressed become difficult and painful. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of board-certified orthopedic specialists in San Francisco is here to provide you with expert care for your fracture, helping you get back to the activities you love as quickly and safely as possible.
This page provides an overview of fractures of the upper extremity (that’s the medical term for the part of your arm from your shoulder to your fingertips), including the common causes, symptoms, risk factors, and the latest treatment options available at our San Francisco and Bay Area locations.
Understanding Fractures: More Than Just a “Broken Bone”
A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. Fractures can range from a small, hairline crack to a severe break where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces. They can be classified in several ways:
- Open vs. Closed Fractures: A closed fracture is a break where the bone does not pierce the skin. An open fracture (also called a compound fracture) is more serious, as the broken bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Displaced vs. Non-displaced Fractures: In a non-displaced fracture, the bone cracks or breaks but remains in its proper alignment. In a displaced fracture, the broken ends of the bone are separated and out of alignment.
- Comminuted Fracture: This is a severe type of fracture where the bone shatters into three or more pieces.
The type and severity of the fracture will determine the best course of treatment. Our orthopedic specialists at California Pacific Orthopaedics will use advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays, to accurately diagnose your fracture and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Common Symptoms and Causes of Upper Extremity Fractures
How do you know if you have a broken bone in your finger or hand? While the symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury, there are some common signs to look out for:
- Severe pain, which may worsen with movement or pressure
- Swelling and bruising at the site of the injury
- Deformity, such as a bent or crooked appearance of the finger or hand
- Inability to move the affected finger or hand
- A “grating” or “popping” sensation at the time of the injury
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers, which could indicate nerve damage
So, what causes these types of fractures? The most common causes include:
- Falls: Falling onto an outstretched hand is a very common cause of fractures, such as a Colles’ fracture or a scaphoid fracture.
- Sports Injuries: Many sports, especially contact sports like football and soccer, as well as activities like skiing and snowboarding, can lead to fractures of the hand.
- Direct Trauma: A direct blow to the hand, such as from a car accident or a crush injury, can cause severe fractures.
- Repetitive Stress: Over time, repetitive motions can lead to tiny cracks in the bones, known as stress fractures.
If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. The orthopedic specialists at California Pacific Orthopaedics are available to provide prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Common Risk Factors for Fractures
While anyone can experience a fracture, certain factors can increase your risk. These include:
- Age: As we get older, our bones naturally become thinner and more brittle, a condition known as osteoporosis. This makes them more susceptible to fractures, even from minor falls.
- Bone Health: Certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, and nutritional deficiencies, like a lack of calcium and vitamin D, can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.
- Participation in High-Risk Activities: People who participate in high-impact sports or have jobs that involve a risk of falls or trauma are at a higher risk of fractures.
- Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the body’s ability to heal, which can complicate the recovery from a fracture.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to protect your bone health and reduce your risk of fractures. Our team at California Pacific Orthopaedics can provide you with guidance on bone health and fracture prevention.
Diagnosis and Treatment at California Pacific Orthopaedics
When you come to California Pacific Orthopaedics with a suspected fracture, our first step is to perform a thorough physical examination and take X-rays to determine the exact location and severity of the break. In some cases, we may also use more advanced imaging techniques, such as a CT scan or MRI, to get a more detailed look at the bones and surrounding soft tissues.
Once we have a clear diagnosis, we will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment for fractures of the finger and hand can be either non-surgical or surgical.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many fractures can be treated without surgery. Non-surgical treatment options may include:
- Casting or Splinting: A cast or splint is used to immobilize the broken bone, holding it in the correct position while it heals. The length of time you’ll need to wear a cast or splint will depend on the type and severity of your fracture.
- Closed Reduction: If the broken bones are out of place (displaced), your doctor may be able to manually realign them without making an incision. This procedure, called a closed reduction, is usually performed in the office or emergency room after you’ve been given a local anesthetic to numb the area. After the bones are realigned, a cast or splint will be applied.
- Physical Therapy: After the cast or splint is removed, you will likely need physical or occupational therapy to help you regain your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Our team of certified hand therapists at California Pacific Orthopaedics will work with you to develop a customized rehabilitation program.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to properly treat a fracture. Surgery is often recommended for:
- Open fractures (where the bone has broken through the skin)
- Severely displaced fractures
- Fractures that involve a joint
- Fractures that haven’t healed properly with non-surgical treatment
The goal of surgery is to realign the broken bones and hold them in place with pins, screws, plates, or rods. This is called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). After surgery, you will likely need to wear a cast or splint for a period of time, followed by physical or occupational therapy.
Your Recovery and Life After a Fracture
The recovery time for a fracture can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as your age and overall health. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully during your recovery to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include:
- Keeping your cast or splint clean and dry
- Elevating your hand and arm to reduce swelling
- Taking pain medication as prescribed
- Attending all of your follow-up appointments
- Participating fully in your physical or occupational therapy program
With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people are able to make a full recovery from a fracture of the finger or hand and return to their normal activities.
Why Choose California Pacific Orthopaedics for Your Fracture Care?
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care in a compassionate and supportive environment. Our team of orthopedic specialists has extensive experience in treating all types of fractures of the upper extremity, from simple to complex. We use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your injury.
If you have suffered a fracture of the finger or hand,, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists at our San Francisco or other Bay Area locations. We are here to help you on your road to recovery.
