Hand Fractures
What are Hand Fractures?
Hand fractures are breaks in the bones of the hand, including the metacarpals (the long bones of the palm) and the phalanges (the finger and thumb bones). They are among the most common fractures treated in Emergency Departments or Minor Injuries Units.
While many hand fractures can be managed without surgery, all fractures of the hand benefit from specialist rehabilitation. Without appropriate Hand Therapy, fractures can heal in a poor position, stiffness can develop rapidly, and grip strength as well as function may be permanently reduced. Appropriate input from the outset ensures the best possible outcome.
What causes Hand Fractures?
- Falls onto an outstretched hand: a very common mechanism
- Direct impact such as punching, sports collisions or machinery accidents
- Crush injuries in the workplace or during sport
- Sporting injuries - particularly common in contact sports, martial arts and ball sports
- Osteoporosis causing fragility fractures from low-energy mechanisms
- Twisting or levering forces applied to the finger during sport, work or other leisure activities
Signs & symptoms
- Pain, swelling and bruising over the fractured bone
- Tenderness at a specific point on the hand, finger or thtumb
- Deformity: visible angulation or shortening of the finger or thumb
- Rotational deformity: the finger overlaps adjacent fingers when making a fist
- Reduced ability to bend or straighten the affected digit
- Crepitus (a grating sensation) at the fracture site on movement
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Hand Fractures. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
Ms Razo fabricates custom, thermoplastic orthoses to protect fractures during healing. Splints precisely positioning the hand, finger and / or thumb to promote union while allowing movement of unaffected joints. Buddy strapping of adjacent fingers is used for stable finger fractures to enable earlier mobilisation.
Controlled early mobilisation of the hand, initiated as soon as the fracture is sufficiently stable, is critical to recovering range of movement. Ms Razo designs a phased mobilisation programme appropriate to the fracture type and stability.
Fractures requiring surgical fixation with Kirschner wires (K-wires), plates or screws require specialist post-operative rehabilitation. Ms Razo coordinates with the operating surgeon to initiate Hand Therapy at the appropriate stage to optimise functional recovery.
Progressive grip and pinch strengthening is introduced, once appropriate, to restore hand strength and dexterity. Ms Razo guides return to work, sport and daily activities through a structured rehabilitation programme.
Frequently asked questions
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No. The majority of hand fractures can be managed without surgery using splinting and Hand Therapy, provided the fracture is in an acceptable position and remains stable. Fractures requiring surgery are those that are significantly displaced, angulated, rotationally malaligned or involve the joint surface. Ms Razo works alongside Hand Surgeons and can provide rehabilitation whether or not surgical fixation is required.
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Stiffness can begin to develop within days of a hand injury due to swelling, immobilisation and changes in the soft tissues. This is why early specialist Hand Therapy input, even during the fracture protection phase, is important. Maintaining movement in the unaffected joints of the hand and initiating gentle mobilisation as soon as it is safe reduces the risk of long-term stiffness.
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Return to sport is guided by fracture healing, restoration of movement, strength and the demands of the specific sport. Contact sports typically require 10–12 weeks before return, depending on fracture type and severity. Ms Razo will advise on appropriate return to activity timelines.
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A boxer's fracture is a fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal, the bone at the base of the little finger. The injury typically occurs from punching a hard surface. It is one of the most common hand fractures. Most boxer's fractures can be managed conservatively with a splint and Hand Therapy, though the degree of angulation at the fracture site guides the management decision.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.