FINGER FRACTURES 

Finger fractures and dislocations can occur due to a variety of causes, including sports activities, accidents, or falls. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility, impacting daily activities and overall hand function.

WHAT IS A BROKEN FINGER?

Each finger is made up of small bones called phalanges—three in each finger and two in the thumb. A broken finger occurs when one or more phalanges in the finger fracture. This often happens due to accidents (sport injuries, closing door or drawer on a finger, car accidents work accidents with machinery, etc), falls, or weakened bones.  Fractures can also occur at the joints/knuckles, where finger bones connect.

To manage pain from a finger fracture temporarily, you can apply ice, take pain-killers, elevate your hand, and keep the finger still. However, it’s important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an X-ray. Based on the type and severity of the fracture, your provider might recommend a splint to stabilize the finger or surgical intervention. They may also realign the bones, a process known as reduction, to promote proper healing.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU HAVE A BROKEN FINGER?

The first symptom you are likely to notice when you break your finger is pain. Other common symptoms of a broken finger can include:

  • Bruising
  • Deformity
  • Difficulty bending or moving the finger
  • Redness
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness

Even if your finger or thumb is broken, you might still be able to move it, although doing so will typically cause discomfort. The pain can range from a dull ache to severe discomfort.

It is important to seek medical attention even if you can manage the pain. The earlier you receive treatment, the better your chances for successful recovery. Certain symptoms, such as numbness or difficulty moving your fingers, require prompt medical attention to prevent further damage. If a bone has broken through the skin (an open or compound fracture), you should seek immediate care to avoid complications and begin treatment right away.

HOW IS BROKEN FINGER DIAGNOSED?

To diagnose a broken finger, your medical professional will do an examination and ask about your symptoms. They will assess whether your injured finger:

  • Points in an abnormal direction
  • Appears shorter than your other fingers
  • Overlaps with your other fingers (indicating rotation or scissoring)

Following this assessment, they may order an X-ray of the finger or hand to confirm the fracture and eliminate the possibility of other conditions, such as a sprain in the finger.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR BROKEN FINGER?

Finger fracture treatment varies depending on the severity, location, and alignment of the fracture.

If the bone remains in its original position (nondisplaced), your finger might be placed in a splint or buddy taped to neighbouring finger to immobilize the finger, keeping it straight and protected while it heals. This usually requires several weeks of splinting and subsequent several weeks of avoiding strenuous activity. However, movement is crucial during this period to prevent stiffness.

If the fracture is displaced, the bone fragments will need to be realigned, which can be done under local anesthetic. The fragments will be moved into position, and a splint or cast will be applied to immobilize the finger. 

There are certain situations where surgery is necessary for a fractured finger:

  • An injury that involves a joint, making it difficult for the bone to heal naturally
  • Loose bone fragments that cannot be secured with a splint
  • Multiple fractures, which can lead to instability in the bone
  • Damage to the tendons or ligaments surrounding the fracture
  • Fractures that are unstable and cannot be secured with a splint

During surgery, the surgeon will use various methods such as screws, small plates, pins, or wires to stabilize the bone fragments. In some cases, the hardware used may be temporary (e.g., pins or wires), whereas in others, it will be permanent and only removed if it becomes problematic.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A HAND THERAPY SESSION?

You can be referred for physiotherapy / hand therapy by your GP or orthopaedic surgeon after the bone has healed and if you have residual stiffness, persistent pain, swelling or other issues limiting the function.

After thorough assessment we will put together a treatment plan that will aim to resolve whichever issues you might have with your finger.

Throughout the course of the treatment the  sessions might include: hydrotherapy to decrease swelling and increase range of movement with less pain, exercise program focused on gradual increase of range of movement, strength and dexterity, progressive static or dynamic splinting or soft splinting (or combination of both) if there is a persistent issue with stiffness/range of movement or swelling, electrotherapy to speed up further healing, Kinesiotaping if there is swelling or pain or for light support and proprioception.