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Finger Fractures

What is a finger fracture?

A fracture is a break in a bone. When you break your finger the break may be small or large, may be straight or crooked, and may go into the joint (the place where 2 finger bones meet).

How does it occur?

A finger fracture usually occurs from hitting a hard object with your finger, being hit by a ball, getting slammed in a door, or falling onto your hand.

What are the symptoms?

You will have pain, swelling and tenderness on the finger that is injured. You may have difficulty moving that finger and it may look crooked.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will review your symptoms, ask about how the injury occurred, and examine you. An x-ray of your finger will be taken. The x-ray will show if there is a break.

How is it treated?

If the broken bone is crooked your provider will straighten it. Then a splint will be placed on your finger. Depending on the type of fracture the splint may be placed on the bottom surface of your finger or the top surface. Your provider will decide if your finger should be kept straight or slightly bent. You will need to wear this splint for 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your injury. Some finger fractures don't need to be splinted, they only need to be taped to the finger next to it (called "buddy taping").

Fractures that are large, crooked, or go into the joint may need surgery.

Treatment will also include:

  • Elevating your finger by placing your hand on a pillow when you sleep or the back of a couch when you are sitting down.
  • Putting an ice bag on your injured finger for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 2 to 3 days.
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medication or other medication prescribed by your provider.

What are the complications?

Even small fractures may cause swelling in the joints where the injury is. Sometimes this swelling may take weeks or months to go away, and in some cases may be permanent. Some fingers are crooked when the fracture heals.

When can I return to my sport or activity?

You may start your rehabilitation exercises when your provider has told you that your fracture has healed. Your provider will order a follow-up x-ray if you need one.

Small fractures may not need a follow up x-ray.

The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. Return to your sport or activity will be determined by how soon your hand recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better.

You may return to your sport or activity when your finger has full range of motion without pain and has the same strength as the uninjured side. You may be able to participate in some activities while wearing a splint or while your finger is buddy-taped.

How can I prevent a finger fracture?

Most finger fractures happen from accidents that are not preventable.

Written by Pierre Rouzier, MD for McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.
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