About 27 bones and numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles make up the hand. A fracture or crack in the bone can result from injury to any of these structures. In addition to being extremely painful, a fractured hand may restrict your ability to use it normally. After all, we do almost everything with our hands, including writing, driving, and cooking.
However, does a fractured hand always need surgery to ensure a full recovery? The short answer is no. Let’s learn more about this and where you can go for hand surgery in Palm Beach, FL.
Treatments for a Fractured Hand
Not all cases of hand fractures require surgery, but it is one of the treatment options available. The thing is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for fractured hands.
The best treatment for you will depend on the following factors:
- The severity of the fracture (e.g., simple versus compound fractures)
- Location and size of the break
- Your age, health history, and activity level
Here are the treatments your doctor may recommend:
1. Immobilization
Your doctor may recommend immobilizing the hand when the fracture is small, and there is very little displacement. They may use a splint or cast to keep the bones in place as they heal.
A splint is a device that holds the bones in place and keeps them from moving. It can be made of metal, plastic, or foam and should fit snugly over the injured area.
A cast is made of plaster or fiberglass and provides more support than a splint. Casts are used to treat more severe fractures or those that involve displacement (when the bone is out of place).
2. Closed Reduction
A closed reduction may be necessary if the bone fragments have shifted out of place. This involves manually adjusting the bone fragments and using a splint or cast to immobilize them.
This procedure is typically done with the help of a sedative. It is also often successful in realigning the bones without surgery.
3. Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture. The procedure involves the insertion of pins, plates, or screws to hold the pieces together.
The pins and plates will help your bones heal correctly. They can even provide additional strength and stability to the hand after healing.
Surgery is typically required for more severe fractures or bone fragment displacement. Your orthopedic surgeon can help recommend the best treatment option for your fracture.
Recovery Post-Surgery
After surgery, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and function in the injured hand. Physical therapy can involve:
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Strengthening activities
- Mobility drills
Your therapist can also provide tips on adjusting activities or modifying equipment to make movements easier. That way, you can reduce the strain on your hand.
Your recovery time will depend on the severity of your fracture and how successful the surgery was. In general, most fractures take 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
During the recovery period, follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid any activities that may cause further damage to the hand.
Generally, you will need to do the following:
- Wear a splint or cast to keep the hand immobilized
- Take medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Follow up with your orthopedic surgeon regularly
- Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamins
Do Hand Fractures Heal Completely?
With proper treatment, most hand fractures will heal completely. Although some stiffness or weakness may linger afterward, most people can expect a full recovery after healing.
However, this is not always the case. Some fractures may cause permanent damage or impair hand movement.
For example, a complex fracture that involves multiple bones or tendons may require multiple surgeries. This can lead to a longer healing process and may cause some residual stiffness or weakness in the hand.
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can also complicate the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
How Do You Prevent Re-Injury?
To prevent re-injury, wear protective gear when engaging in sports, gardening, or construction work. You should also avoid using tools, equipment, or machinery that may cause further harm to your hand.
If you experience any pain, swelling, or difficulty with movement, contact your doctor immediately.
Hand Surgery in Palm Beach, FL
Do you need hand surgery in Palm Beach, Florida? Look no further than Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our highly trained orthopedic surgeons have all the expertise you will need to get rid of your hand and wrist pain and improve your quality of life. Our hand surgeon can also perform hand surgeries using minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy.
To know more about our services, call our friendly staff today at (561) 733-5888, Ext. 9. If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons, fill out our online appointment request form.
We are eager to assist you!
