Types of hand fractures
What are the most common hand fractures?
The distal phalanx is the most commonly fractured bone in the hand, followed by the metacarpals [3]. The bones of the hand and wrist are shown in the figure (figure 1). Metacarpal fractures are seen more often in adults, whereas phalangeal fractures are more common in children [2].
What are the 7 types of fractures?
The Different Types of Bone Fractures
- Transverse fracture. A transverse fracture occurs when a bone breaks at a 90-degree angle to the long axis of the bone. …
- Oblique fracture. …
- Comminuted fracture. …
- Greenstick fracture. …
- Stress fracture. …
- Pathologic fracture.
What are the 4 types of fractures?
There are many types of fractures, but the main categories are displaced, non-displaced, open, and closed.
What is a minor hand fracture?
Simple fracture (sometimes called a closed fracture): A bone breaks into two pieces but does not break the skin or damage surrounding tissue.
What is the most painful bone to break?
The Femur
The Femur is often put at the top of the most painful bones to break. Your Femur is the longest and strongest bone in your body, running from your hip to your knee. Given its importance, it’s not surprising that breaking this bone is an incredibly painful experience, especially with the constant weight being put on it.
Can you move your hand if it’s fractured?
Range of Motion. You may have a compromised range of motion if your hand is broken. This may be due to swelling, inflammation, or pain caused by the injury. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, especially pain in your hand, immediately contact a trusted hand doctor before symptoms worsen.
Do hand fractures heal on their own?
A broken hand can heal by itself. But without proper treatment, it’s more likely to heal incorrectly. Specifically, the bones might not line up properly. This is known as a malunion.
How do they fix a fractured hand?
Surgical and other procedures
You might need surgery to implant pins, plates, rods or screws to hold your bones in place while they heal. A bone graft might be used to help healing. These options might be necessary if you have: An open fracture.
What is the most common type of fracture?
Spiral Fracture
Among one of the most common types of fractures, a spiral fracture happens when a twisting force is applied to the bone. Also called a torsion fracture, this is typically seen on an ankle, but can be found in other areas of the body too.
What are the six common types of fractures?
Common types of fractures include:
- Stable fracture. The broken ends of the bone line up and are barely out of place.
- Open (compound) fracture. The skin may be pierced by the bone or by a blow that breaks the skin at the time of the fracture. …
- Transverse fracture. …
- Oblique fracture. …
- Comminuted fracture.
What are the 3 main types of fractures?
In this article we look at the three primary types of fractures: open, closed, and displaced fractures.
What kind of fractures require surgery?
The more severe the fracture is, the more likely it is that surgery will be recommended. For example, an open or comminuted fracture will require surgery to ensure that the bone fully grows back together and safely supports your weight.
Which types of fractures are most difficult to repair?
Example: A comminuted fracture is the most difficult to repair due to the bone having fractured into numerous pieces. Multiple bone pieces require more effort to hold them together in the ideal position for healing.
How is a fractured hand treated?
Immobilization. Restricting the movement of a broken bone in your hand is critical to proper healing. To do this, you’ll likely need a splint or a cast. You’ll be advised to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling and pain.
How do I know if my hand is fractured?
A broken hand might cause these signs and symptoms:
- Severe pain that might worsen when gripping or squeezing or moving your hand.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Bruising.
- Obvious deformity, such as a crooked finger.
- Stiffness or inability to move your fingers or thumb.
- Numbness in your hand or fingers.
What type of fracture takes the longest to heal?
If you have an open fracture, your bone breaks through your skin. Open fractures are sometimes referred to as compound fractures. Open fractures usually take longer to heal and have an increased risk of infections and other complications.
What is worse a fracture or a break?
Some people assume that fractured bones are more serious than broken bones, while others assume it’s the other way around. But the truth is that these terms are used interchangeably, and they have the same meaning to medical professionals.