Finger Fracture In Children

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A finger fracture is a break in the bone of the finger. The most common type of finger fracture in children happens on the middle part of the ring or little finger. It may take four to six weeks for your child's finger to heal. An x-ray will show when the broken bone is healed.

What causes a finger fracture? A child's finger bones are usually broken when playing or during sports like basketball. Often a finger is broken during a fall when the fingers get twisted or bent in the wrong way. Other fractures occur when the tips of the fingers are crushed. Fractures in children younger than one year of age are not common because their bones are very flexible and "rubbery". Fractures in these children may be caused by problems with how a bone was formed, tumors, or physical abuse.

What are the signs and symptoms of a finger fracture?

• Your child's finger may hurt, feel weak or numb, or tingle. It may be stiff, swollen, or bruised.
  
  
• Your child's finger may bleed if the skin is broken.
  
  
• Your child may have a hard time moving his finger, or he may not be able to move it at all.
  
  
• Your child's finger may not look normal or may even look bent if the bones are out of place.

How is a finger fracture diagnosed? A caregiver will examine your child and ask questions about your child's injury. Your child may need x-rays. These are pictures of the bones inside the fingers and hand.

How is a finger fracture treated? Caregivers pay close attention to fractures near growth plates. Ask your child's caregiver if your child's fracture may affect his bone growth. Your child's treatment will depend on which finger is broken and the type of fracture he has. Your child may need to do one or more of the following to treat the fractured finger:

• Cast or splint: The caregiver may put a splint or cast on your child's finger. A splint or cast will prevent movement and protect your child's finger so it can heal. The caregiver may splint the broken finger to one or more of the unbroken fingers. This is called "buddy taping". Buddy taping is a way to help support your child's fractured finger while it heals.
  
  
• Ice: Put crushed ice in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen peas or corn. Cover it with a towel. Place this on your child's finger for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as he needs it. Do not let your child sleep with the ice pack because he could get frostbite.
  
  
• Elevate: Keep your child's finger elevated above the level of his heart whenever possible to decrease the swelling.
  
  
• Medicine:
  
  
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: Ask your child's caregiver if you may give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever. Do not give your child aspirin. It may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. Do not give your child other over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without first talking to your child's caregiver. Read the label on the medicine bottle. Do not give your child more medicine, or give it more often than the directions say to.
    
    
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help your child fight an infection caused by a germ called bacteria.
    
    
  • Tetanus shot: If your child scratched or tore some skin, he may need a tetanus shot. This shot will protect your child against tetanus (the bacteria that causes lockjaw).
  
  
• Reduction: If your child's finger bone is dislocated or displaced (broken parts are out of place), he may need a reduction. During this procedure, caregivers line up the broken parts of bone so they can heal normally. A reduction done without surgery is called a "closed reduction". If your child's finger bone is severely (badly) dislocated or injured, he may need surgery. A reduction done during surgery is called an "open reduction". Your child may also need to have pins and wires, or plates and screws put into his bone. These can help to keep the broken bone parts lined up so your child's finger can heal correctly.
  
  
• Rest: Help your child to rest his finger while it heals. Do not let your child use the finger until his caregiver says it is OK. The caregiver may tell your child to do finger and hand exercises. These can help to build strength and decrease stiffness and swelling in your child's finger.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

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