The skeletal system of the hand is formed by 29 bones and dozens of articular surfaces between them. Tendons (tendons), which are extensions of the muscles that move the wrist and fingers, are attached to these bones. If the integrity of the bones is disrupted as a result of excessive loads, a fracture occurs.
How Does a Fracture Affect the Hand?
A fracture in the hand causes pain, stiffness and loss of movement. why could it be. Some fractures cause curvatures and deformities in the hand. If the fractures extend into the joint, it may cause degenerative arthritis in the joint in the long term.
What are the symptoms of hand fractures?
- There is pain in the fracture area
- Swelling attracts attention
- It causes difficulty in movement in the joints close to the area in question.
Fractures can be simple, non-displaced or multi-piece, displaced and complex. visible. While some fractures occur in the body of the bones, some fractures may involve the joints. Fracture patterns may vary depending on the intensity of the energy causing the fracture. Sometimes it is accompanied by open injuries and may cause wound site problems.
How is a hand fracture treated?
While planning the treatment, radiological examination of the fracture is performed and its shape, type and character are examined. and its location is understood. Then, the most appropriate treatment method is chosen according to the person's age, job, general health status, hobbies and which hand he/she has.
- Some fractures are treated using plaster or different types of splints. The aim is to detect the fracture during the time until union.
- Some fractures may require external splint application to keep them intact.
- Some require surgical treatment.
After the fractures are corrected in surgical treatment, there may be a need for fixation with different types of metals (nails, wires, plates and/or screws). Correction of fractures involving the joint must be as perfect as possible. In fractures with bone loss, different types of bone patches (grafts) may be required. There is a need to use external fixation materials called external fixators in the fixation of fractures with open injuries. can. Rehabilitation of the healing hand is important after fracture treatment.
What are the expectations in hand fracture treatment?
Although radiologically it is preferred to restore the skeletal system to its pre-fracture state, good function In order to achieve this, it is not always necessary for the bone alignment seen on the x-ray to be very good. The heights seen and felt in the fracture area at the beginning may disappear over time. Some of the following complications may occur during fracture healing:
- Stiffness
- Limitation of movement
- Infection
- Delayed union
- Nonunion
What are the negative factors affecting fracture healing?
Smoking negatively affects fracture healing. Some fractures seen in children may have a negative impact on bone growth. Rehabilitation programs, splints and exercise treatments may be required during fracture healing and follow-up.
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