Fractures of the hand can occur either at the level of the small bones of the fingers (phalanges) or of the long bones (metacarpals) or of the bones of the wrist (carpal), as a result of a fall, sprains (ligament stretch), an accident or from practicing a sport.

Although the bones of the hand are small, a finger fracture is not a minor injury.

The bones of the hand align precisely and allow you to perform various activities such as writing, eating, washing, etc. Thus, fracture of a finger can prevent the use of the entire hand. Untreated, the broken finger may remain stiff.

Fracture of the thumb of the hand is a serious injury because the thumb is involved in all the actions of the hand. In addition, fracture of the thumb can increase the risk of arthritis

Fractures of the fingers are the most common fractures found in sports in adults and teenagers.

They can occur either separately or together with metacarpal fractures (the bones that connect the wrist with the fingers).

Fractures of the fingers often include fractured fingertips and avulsion fractures (sometimes an injury can cause a ligament or tendon to move away from the bone. If the force of the injury causes the ligament or tendon to break a fragment of bone, this is an avulsion fracture).

More prone to fracture of the fingers are people with calcium and/or osteoporosis deficiencies (decrease in bone density).

Pain is the first symptom that appears, and the finger can acquire a strange shape due to the loss of bone alignment. Other manifestations include numbness, local redness, swelling and bruising.

Even if the finger is broken, it can be moved but its movement will usually cause pain.

For a correct diagnosis it is necessary to perform one or more X-rays from different angles. X-rays also show if there are any lesions of the joints of the fingers.

Treatment of finger fractures depends on the location and severity of the fracture and also on the type of fracture, stable or unstable.

In the case of a stable fracture in which the broken ends of the bone are aligned and do not present a risk of displacement, one can opt for immobilization in a plastered splint that holds the right finger and protects it while it heals. Usually, the splint is kept for 3-4 weeks after which a physical therapy program is started to regain movement in the finger and prevent stiffness.

In the case of an unstable fracture, in which the broken ends of the bone tend to change their position to move, the affected finger can be immobilized with the help of a plastered splint after aligning the fracture fragments (the procedure is called closed reduction and is usually performed under local anesthesia).

After immobilization, a physical therapy recovery program is also started to regain the mobility of the affected finger.

Surgery is necessary in the following situations:

➢ Fracture of a joint

➢ Free bone fragments

➢ More associated fractures

➢ Damage to the tendon or ligaments

➢ Unstable fractures that a splint cannot fix

During finger surgery, the surgeon uses screws, small plaques, needles, or threads to hold the bones together. Usually, these devices remain in the finger unless they cause problems.

➢ To reduce the risk of bone degeneration that subsequently exposes to fracture, it is insisted on eating a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium that strengthen the bones. Regular exercise also has the role of strengthening the bones and not just the muscles.

➢ Protective equipment appropriate to each sport or activities that predispose to injury to the fingers will be worn

➢ Elderly people who have balance problems, to prevent falls and respectively fractures are advised to walk with the help of a walking frame or crutches.