Hand Fractures
What Should You Do About a Suspected Hand or Wrist Fracture?
Significant pain, swelling, and difficulty moving a finger, hand, or wrist after an injury may indicate a fracture and should be evaluated promptly — many hand and wrist fractures heal well with the right treatment, but delayed care can affect alignment and long-term function.
Common Patterns
Fractures in the hand and wrist range from finger fractures and metacarpal (hand bone) fractures to distal radius (wrist) fractures and scaphoid fractures (see below — these behave differently enough to warrant their own page). Causes range from falls and sports injuries to direct trauma.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
X-rays confirm the fracture pattern and whether the bone is well-aligned. Many fractures that are stable and well-aligned heal with casting or splinting alone. Fractures that are displaced, unstable, or involve a joint surface often require surgical fixation with pins, plates, or screws to restore alignment and allow earlier motion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if a finger is fractured versus just jammed?
Persistent swelling, deformity, or inability to move the finger normally after 2-3 days warrants an X-ray — a jammed finger typically improves noticeably within that window.
Do all hand fractures need surgery?
No, many are treated successfully with casting or splinting alone; surgery is reserved for fractures that are displaced, unstable, or involve a joint surface.