Consumer Information

Hand Fracture In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A hand fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in any of the bones in the hand. A break in the bone that connects the wrist to the little finger is also known as a boxer's fracture. A broken hand may happen while playing a sport, such as rollerblading, skateboarding, or skiing. Fractures may also be caused by a fall, a crushing injury, or badly twisting or bending the hand in the wrong way. Hitting something hard with a closed fist may also cause a hand fracture.
Your child may have pain, swelling, or bruising in the injured hand. Your child's hand may look deformed and he may have trouble using or moving his hand. Hand fractures may be diagnosed using an x-ray. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan may also be used. Your child's broken hand may need a splint, cast, or even surgery as treatment. With treatment, such as a cast, surgery and medicine, complications may be prevented and your child may resume his normal activities.

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.

RISKS:

Treatment for a hand injury may cause unpleasant side effects. Medicines may cause your child to have nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or stomach ulcers (sores). Your child may bleed or get an infection if he has surgery or an open wound. If left untreated, the bones may not go back to how they were before. Although uncommon in children, your child may have decreased blood supply to the injured area. Your child's injured hand may grow differently from the normal hand or become stiff or deformed. Diagnosing and treating a hand fracture as soon as possible is very important. Call your caregiver if you have concerns about your child's fracture, medicines, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your child's health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your child's condition. Your child's caregiver should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives your child's caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to your child. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen to your child.

Emotional support: You may stay with your child for comfort and support. Your child may need to stay in the hospital for more than a day. Ask caregivers if another family member can stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring in something from home that your child likes. Your child may like to have his favorite blanket, toy, or clothing with him.

Medicine:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help your child fight an infection caused by a germ called bacteria.
Pain medicine: Caregivers may give medicine to decrease your child's pain. Tell a caregiver if your child's pain does not go away or comes back after taking this medicine. Pain medicine can have side effects. Tell a caregiver if your child has trouble breathing, is very sleepy, or has an upset stomach. Tell a caregiver if your child is allergic to any medicine.
Tetanus shot: This is medicine to keep your child from getting tetanus. It is given as a shot. Your child should have a tetanus shot if he has not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. Your child's arm can get red, swollen, and sore after getting this shot.

Tests: Your child may have one or more of the following:

Computerized tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses computers to take pictures of your child's hand. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child's caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish or has other allergies or medical conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of the forearm, wrist, and hand area.
X-ray: This is a picture of the bones and tissues in your child's hand. X-rays of the hand may be done to check for broken bones or other problems. Your child may be given a dye as a shot into the joint before the x-ray. Joints are where two bones meet. This dye will help your child's joint show up better on the x-ray. Several pictures may be taken of the bones in your child's hand. X-rays of both your child's injured and uninjured hands may be taken.

Treatment options:

Ice: A caregiver may use ice on your child's hand to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it with a towel. Place the ice bag on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as your child needs it. If ice is put on the injured area for too long or if it is slept on, it may cause frostbite.
Cast or splint: Your child's hand may need to stay in a cast or splint for a period of time to allow it to heal.
Surgery: Caregivers may line up the broken parts of the bone if they are out of place. Surgery may be needed if your child's hand is badly injured. During surgery, wires, screws, or metal plates may be used to hold the broken bone parts in the correct place. A new bone may also be placed into spaces between or around the fracture. The bone may be taken from another part of your child's body or from a donor.

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.

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