Finger Fracture

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A finger fracture is a break in the bone of the finger. A broken finger usually takes four to eight weeks to heal. An x-ray will show when the broken bone is healed.

What causes a finger fracture? You can break a finger many different ways. It may happen during a fall or an accident. You may break it while playing sports. You may not remember how you broke it.

What are the signs and symptoms of a finger fracture?

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

How is a finger fracture diagnosed? Your caregiver will examine you and ask questions about your injury. You may need x-rays. These are pictures of the bones inside of your fingers and hands.

How is a finger fracture treated? Your treatment will depend on which finger is broken and the type of fracture you have. Unless your finger fracture is very minor, it is important to see a caregiver. A broken finger that heals in the wrong way can become stiff and unable to move correctly. If the skin on your finger is broken and bleeding, see a caregiver immediately. You may need one or more of the following to treat your fractured finger:

• Cast or splint: Your caregiver may put a splint or cast on your finger. A splint or cast will prevent movement and protect your finger so it can heal. The caregiver may splint the broken finger to one or more of your unbroken fingers. This is called "buddy taping". Buddy taping is a way to help support your 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 finger for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as you need it. Do not sleep with the ice pack because you could get frostbite.
  
  
• Elevate: Keep your finger elevated above the level of your heart whenever possible for 48 to 72 hours. This helps decrease both pain and swelling.
  
  
• Medicine:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for your pain. These may be bought at grocery and drug stores. Ask your caregiver before taking OTC medicine if you are also taking pain medicine ordered (prescribed) for you.
    
    
  • Tetanus shot: If you scratched or tore some skin, you may need a tetanus shot. This shot will protect you against tetanus (the bacteria that causes lockjaw).
  
  
• Reduction: If your finger bone is dislocated or displaced (broken parts are out of place), you may need a reduction. During this procedure, your caregiver lines up the broken parts of bone so they can heal normally. A reduction done without surgery is called a "closed reduction". If your finger bone is severely (badly) displaced or injured, you may need surgery. A reduction done during surgery is called an "open reduction". You may also need to have pins and wires, or plates and screws put into your bone. These can help to keep the broken bone parts lined up so your finger can heal correctly.
  
  
• Rest: Resting your finger decreases swelling and allows the injury to heal. When the pain decreases, your caregiver will tell you if you may begin normal, slow movements. Your caregiver may tell you to do finger and hand exercises. These can help to build strength and decrease stiffness and swelling in your finger.

CARE AGREEMENT:

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

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