Hand Fracture

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A hand fracture (frak-shur) is a break in one or more of the bones in the hand. It may also be called a "boxer's fracture." With a boxer's fracture, the hand bone that connects to the little finger is broken. Hand bones can be broken in many different ways, like during a fall or an accident when a closed fist hits something. People who punch walls or box without wearing boxing gloves often get a boxer's fracture.
  
  
• The hand that is broken may hurt and look swollen or bruised. If the skin breaks it may also bleed. Your hand may feel weak, numb, or tingly. Your hand may not look normal or may even look bent if the bones are out of place. Your caregiver may need to push the bones back into place. You may need surgery if you have a bad fracture. Healing of the broken bone usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. An x-ray will show when the broken bone is healed.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• To lessen swelling, keep the injured hand elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible.
  
  
• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your cast.
  
  
• Move the fingers of your casted hand several times a day.
  
  
• Plaster or Fiberglass Cast:
  
  
  • Do not try to scratch the skin under the cast using a sharp or pointed object down the cast.
    
    
  • Check the skin around the cast every day. You may put lotion on any red or sore areas.
    
    
  • If your fiberglass cast gets a little wet, it can be dried using a hair dryer.
  
  
• Plaster splint:
  
  
  • Wear the splint for as long as your caregiver suggests.
    
    
  • You may loosen the elastic around the splint if your fingers become numb or tingling.
  
  
• Do not put pressure on any part of your cast or splint. It may break.
  
  
• Keep your cast or splint dry. It can be protected during bathing with a plastic bag. Do not lower the cast/splint into water.
  
  
• You may use medicines that you can buy without a prescription. Take only medications as directed by your doctor.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your cast gets damaged or breaks.
  
  
• You have bad pain that does not go away.
  
  
• You have more swelling than you did before the cast was put on.
  
  
• There is a bad smell from your cast.
  
  
• There are new blood stains coming from under the cast.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your skin or fingernails of the casted hand turn blue or grey.
  
  
• Your casted hand feels cold or numb.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page