Broken Hand
Broken Hand Causes
A broken hand may result from fractures in any of the carpal bones, including the metacarpals and phalanges. A hand may be broken through a number of possible scenarios, the most common of which are injuries arising from sports activities, such as in the case of a ?boxer's fracture? or a punching injury affecting the metacarpal bone that connects to the little finger. Other common injuries include the ?baseball finger? and the ?skier's thumb?.
Broken Hand Definition
A broken hand is a fracture in the bones of the hand, usually occurring along with a broken wrist.
Broken Hand Diagnosis
A physician will usually examine the affected hand and look for swollen, tender, or deformed areas. Certain tests to gauge the patient's range of motion and grip strength may also be done. In addition, X-rays and other imaging tests are recommended for a more definite diagnosis.
Broken Hand Symptoms and Signs
A broken hand may exhibit the following symptoms: severe pain which may increase during squeezing or gripping objects; swelling, tenderness, and bruising in the affected hand; visible deformity usually in the form of a crooked finger or a bent wrist; stiffness or inability to move the fingers and thumb; as well as numbness and a cold sensation in the affected hand.
Broken Hand Treatment
A broken hand usually requires immediate treatment and urgent medical care. Otherwise, the fractured bones may not heal in proper alignment, which can negatively impact the patient's everyday activities. Specific treatment depends on the exact site and severity of the injury. The affected hand is usually immobilized with the use of a splint to allow the fractured pieces to realign. Ice or a cold compress may be applied to reduce pain and swelling. In complex cases, surgery may be required to implant correcting devices to help the broken bones realign during healing.