Hand, Wrist & Finger Fractures

Wrist, finger and hand fractures can significantly disrupt your day-to-day activities. Ranging from simple breaks in the small bones of the hand to more serious fractures that involve the long bones of the wrist, these injuries can happen to anyone.

At Houston Methodist, our orthopedic physicians and staff are here to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan to help restore functionality and full range of motion.

Types of Hand, Wrist & Finger Fractures We Treat

Your ligaments and extremities can suffer many types of fractures, each affecting different parts. The most common breaks that occur include: 

• Boxer's fracture
• Distal radius fracture
• Metacarpal fracture
• Phalangeal fracture
• Scaphoid fracture
• Thumb fracture

How We Treat Hand, Wrist & Finger Fractures

All treatment plans are developed and implemented according to the severity of your fracture and other details specific to you. Depending on the circumstances, our physicians may recommend hand physical therapy, surgery or a combination of the two. 

Physical Therapy Options

At Houston Methodist, we offer a variety of hand therapy treatments to help manage pain and rehabilitate your fracture: 

• Immobilization: May include splinting or casting to isolate bones, ensure healthy growth and promote a faster recovery
• Manual therapy techniques: May include soft tissue manipulation, which helps restore function in the soft tissues that surround the injury
• Range of motion exercises and splinting: Helps to increase functionality over time until you reach your greatest improvement potential
• Strengthening exercises: Target muscle groups around your fractured bone and support the healing process
• Ultrasound therapy: Uses sound waves to promote bone and tissue recovery

H3: Surgery Options

Some wrist, elbow, arm and hand fractures require surgery. Our skilled orthopedic surgeons at Houston Methodist are equipped to provide many types of surgical interventions: 

• Arthroscopic surgery: Repairs soft tissues and realigns bones via a minimally invasive technique
• Fracture fixation: Uses plates, screws or pins are used to stabilize broken bones 
• Replantation microsurgery: May be recommended in cases of severed fingers or crushed bones

Signs of Hand, Wrist & Finger Fractures

Unless it’s an open fracture where the injury is visible outside of your skin, it can be challenging to tell whether you’ve experienced a strain, break or pull. Generally, a few telltale signs of a fracture can include:

• A decreased range of motion
• Severe pain
• Stiffness
• Visible deformity (if it’s a displaced fracture)
• Weakness

If you suspect that your hand, wrist or finger is fractured, we recommend seeking an immediate evaluation by a qualified physician at our orthopedic injury clinic. Prompt evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation are necessary to avoid potential complications like bone misalignment or nonhealing, which can lead to long-term issues. 

How We Diagnose Hand, Wrist & Finger Fractures

Identifying hand, wrist and finger fractures usually starts with a thorough physical examination. This helps determine the extent and location of the injury. It can also include assessing the tenderness, swelling and level of deformation in the affected area. 

Next, we’ll conduct imaging tests like X-rays to get a more detailed view of the fracture. Depending on the circumstances, your physician may recommend more complex views of your fracture via a CT or MRI scan. 

Treating for Professional Athletes & Performers

From premier professional sports teams like the Houston Astros and Houston Texans to fine arts organizations and hundreds of high-school and youth teams, the sports medicine physicians at Houston Methodist are here to help diagnose and treat your injuries.