Special care is needed when a bone in the hand or wrist is fractured. The bones in this area of the body are aligned in a highly precise manner to allow you to make specialized and intricate movements. The fracture of a bone in your hand, finger or wrist can cause stiffness, pain and loss of motion if not treated properly.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a fellowship-trained hand surgeon and leading specialist in hand and wrist fractures in Denver. He has the skills and experience to evaluate your condition and provide you with solutions. Contact us today so that we can evaluate your symptoms and develop a recommended treatment plan.
Condition Overview
Fractures of the hand occur in the small bones of the fingers (phalanges) or the long bones that connect the hand to the wrist (metacarpals). They occur when the hand is subjected to trauma, such as a fall, twisting injury or crush injury. Signs of a fracture include swelling, tenderness, deformity and the inability to move the involved finger. An X-ray will be used to determine the nature of the fracture.
Wrist fractures also occur due to traumatic injury. A fracture can occur in any of the wrist’s eight small bones, or in the two forearm bones that connect to the wrist joint, the radius and ulna. People with osteoporosis are more susceptible to wrist fractures following a simple fall. Again, an X-ray is the best diagnostic tool for determining the position and type of a wrist fracture.
Dr. Campanile’s Approach
Depending on the type of fracture, several treatment methods are available. Fractures that are not displaced generally can be treated through the use of a splint or cast. Some displaced fractures can be set without major surgery and held in place with wires or pins.
Other fractures may need to be set using a more involved surgical procedure, with the insertion of pins, plates or screws as necessary. For instance, articular fractures of the joint usually need to be set very precisely so that the joint surface remains as smooth as possible. Surgery also will be necessary in cases where the bone has been crushed and a bone graft from another part of the body is required.
As soon as a fracture is sufficiently stabilized, physical therapy is generally recommended to avoid stiffness. Dr. Campanile will track your progress and determine when it is time to start motion exercises.
Get Help
Don’t let your hand or wrist fracture limit your activities and cause you ongoing discomfort. It’s easy to get help from a skilled hand specialist in Denver. Call us today at 303-345-7476 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
Telephone No.303-345-7476