Hand Fracture In Children

What is a hand fracture?

A hand fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in any of the bones in the hand. These include the bones in the wrist, fingers, and those that connect the wrist to the fingers. The most commonly injured hand bone in children is the finger. The long bone between the wrist and finger is another type of hand fracture. A break in the bone that connects to the little finger is known as a boxer's fracture.

What causes a hand fracture?

The following may cause a broken hand:

• Badly twisting or bending the hand in the wrong way.
  
  
• Crushing injury to the hand.
  
  
• Fall on an outstretched hand.
  
  
• Hitting something hard with a closed fist.
  
  
• Physical abuse.
  
  
• Sports injury, such as during rollerblading, skateboarding, or skiing.

What are the signs and symptoms of a hand fracture?

Your child may have pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured hand. Your child's hand may bleed if the skin is broken. The bones may not look normal and look bent or out of place. Your child's hand may feel weak, numb, or tingly. He may have trouble moving his hand or may refuse to use or move it.

How is a hand fracture diagnosed?

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.

How is a hand fracture treated?

Treatment will depend on which hand bone was broken and the kind of fracture your child has. Your child may need one or more of the following:

• Devices: Keeping the broken hand from moving is very important. A splint or cast may be used to hold the broken bones together and keep your child from moving his hand.
  
  
• Medicine: Medicines may be given to help with your child's pain. Your child may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if he has a break in his skin.
  
  
• Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your child's hand to decrease swelling, pain, and redness.
  
  
• Surgery: A hand fracture that is severe or does not heal with other treatments may need surgery. Surgery helps return bones to their normal position by putting them together with wires or screws. Caregivers may also do surgery to place a new bone into spaces between or around the fracture.

With treatment, such as a cast, surgery, and medicine, complications may be prevented and your child may resume his normal activities.

Where can I find more information?

Having a child with hand fracture may be hard for you and your family. You may contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont , IL 60018-4262
  Phone: 1- 847 - 823-7186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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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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