Treatments For A Finger Fracture?

orthopedic in Paramus NJ

A fractured finger occurs when one or more of the bones in the finger, called phalanges, breaks. A fracture can occur in any of the phalanges on your hand. Fractures can also occur in the joints where your finger bones meet, also known as your knuckles. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we can provide treatment for fractured bones. Our orthopedic in Paramus NJ will decide the best approach to address your finger fracture.

Causes of a Fractured Finger

Out of all the parts on your hand, your fingers are the most at risk of injury. The nature of the injury and the strength of the finger bones determine the severity of the fracture. Conditions like osteoporosis and malnutrition can increase your chances of hurting a finger. Some examples of causes of a fractured finger include:

  • Injuring your finger while working with a tool, such as a hammer or a saw. 
  • Colliding your finger with a fast-moving object, such as a baseball. 
  • Slamming your hand in a door.
  • Breaking a fall by putting your hands out.

Types of Fractures

The number of types of fractures that can occur in your finger is certainly not limited. Some of the types of fractures are:

  • Avulsion fracture- a ligament or tendon and the piece of bone it attaches to pull away from the main bone.
  • Impacted fracture- the broken ends of a bone drive into each other.
  • Shear fracture- the bone splits in two different directions.
  • Open fracture-  the bone breaks through your skin, causing an open wound.
  • Closed fracture- the bone breaks but your skin remains intact.
  • Stable fracture- the bone cracks but doesn’t move.
  • Displaced fracture- the bone breaks into separate pieces and no longer lines up.
  • Comminuted fracture- the bone breaks into three or more pieces.

Fractured Finger Risk Factors

People with weak bones, such as the elderly with a calcium deficiency, have an increased risk of fracturing a finger. People who work with their hands, such as athletes and manual laborers, also have an increased risk. Some specific sports that increase the risk for fractured fingers include the following:

  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • Wrestling

Symptoms of a Fracture Finger

When a finger is fractured, it may appear out of alignment. It can be very painful, especially when you try to move it. In other cases, the discomfort is dull and tolerable. However, when extreme pain is absent, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t obtain medical attention from our orthopedic in Paramus NJ. Some other symptoms that go along with pain and deformity include:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Limited range of motion

Finger Fracture Treatment

Depending on the type of finger fracture, its severity, and the location, treatment may vary. If the fracture is stable, our orthopedic in Paramus NJ will align the fracture and apply a splint. When the fracture is unstable, it requires immobilization and surgery. Surgery consists of the use of pins, screws, and wires. It will be required to restabilize the finger when you have:

  • Multiple fractures
  • Loose bone fragments
  • A joint injury
  • Damage to the ligaments or tendons

Recovery Time for a Fractured Finger

The recovery time for a broken finger can be as short as a few weeks but can be as long as a year. This depends upon multiple factors, such as if there is an associated nerve injury or vascular injury, or if there’s an injury to the joint surface causing arthritis. This recovery time can be determined by our orthopedic in Paramus NJ. 

Finger Fracture Prevention

A finger fracture can be inevitable, but precautions can be taken to possibly prevent it. One tip is following a proper diet with healthy amounts of vitamin D and calcium to keep your bones healthy. Another tip is for people who have difficulty walking and are more likely to fall onto their fingers to use assistive devices. One final piece of advice is for athletes and laborers to be more cautious than the average person.

Contact Our Staff
If you have experienced a finger fracture, see our orthopedic in Paramus NJ for treatment. Our team can diagnose and treat your fractured finger after evaluation and testing. Contact New York Sports Medicine Institute to see our specialist and determine your route to recovery.

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