Step by Step: Hand Fracture Treatment in Yardley

Follow These Steps to Promote Hand Fracture Recovery

Has a traumatic accident left your hand in pain? It may be that one or multiple bones in your hand are fractured. The severity of all fractures (or broken bones) depends on the forces involved in the injury. If the impact was gradual, then the bone may be only partly cracked. If your injury resulted from an immense force, then you may have a shattered bone.

Regardless of the type of fracture, the Hand and Wrist specialists at Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute will provide the best, individualized treatment plan possible for you. Our physicians know about the stress and pain that accompany a hand fracture, and they are available to give expert advice and support.

Below are five options a doctor may include in hand fracture treatment in Yardley. It is important to note that, because every fracture is different, not every patient will go through all of these steps in this particular order. Having an awareness of these hand fracture treatment steps will help you communicate to your doctor about your options.

Five Steps Included in Hand Fracture Treatment in Yardley

The specialists at Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute aim to ease the minds of their hand fracture patients by providing clear explanations and excellent medical care. To learn more about hand fracture treatment in Yardley, or if you have any questions, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.

1. Receive an X-ray and physical examination. X-rays and examinations help the doctor determine which of the many hand fracture types has impacted the patient. This is an essential step for diagnosis. During this time, your doctor will probably ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history and the details of your injury. Speaking honestly with a medical profession allows her or him to understand your condition better and suggest a treatment plan faster.

2. Receive closed reduction from your doctor. After examining the X-rays and your hand fracture, your physician may need to realign the bones in your hand by gently manipulating the area without an incision. This process involves steady, pulling motion and should only be performed by a hand and wrist specialist.

3. Wear a splint, fracture-brace, or cast. Splints, braces, and casts hold the broken ends of the bone in place and assist the healing process. The most common cast materials used to support fractures are plaster and fiberglass. Some casts allow for limited movements, whereas others require a rigid position.

   Typically, casts for hand fractures are worn between three to six weeks. If your injury was less damaging, a removable hand fracture splint or one that straps to a non-injured finger might be more fitting for you. Your physician will recommend one of these wearable supports based on your injury, the exact location of your hand fracture, and where you are in your individualized treatment process.

4. Apply ice to reduce pain. Whether you are experiencing new pain or you’re somewhere in the middle of your treatment process, ice can decrease the amount of inflammation surrounding the hand fracture, soothing the area in the process. When applying an ice pack to your hand, make sure it is wrapped in a clean cloth to prevent a skin injury. Talk to your doctor about when and how often to ice your fracture.

5. Determine whether surgery is needed. Severe hand fractures may require surgery for realignment. These fractures might involve metacarpal bones that have shifted out of place, fingers that are out of alignment, bones that have broken through the skin, and progressing pain despite non-operative treatment methods. In these cases, an orthopaedic surgeon may want to surgically implant plates, screws, or wires to hold the fracture in place and keep the bones from moving.

The specialists at Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute aim to ease the minds of their hand fracture patients by providing clear explanations and excellent medical care. To learn more about hand fracture treatment in Yardley, or if you have any questions, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.