The Different Types Of Hand And Wrist Fractures.
Breaking your wrist is quite common, especially if you try to catch yourself during a fall. How it’s treated depends on how bad it is and what kind of break it is. A doctor who specializes in bones, called a Hand surgeon, can help figure out the best way to make it better.
If you’ve broken your wrist, you’ll likely feel a lot of pain right away, and it might swell up and feel tender when you touch it. Sometimes it might even look bruised or strange. In severe cases, you might see the bone sticking out, or your fingers might feel numb. It’s important to see a doctor immediately if any of these signs occur, especially a specialist like Dr. Chaitanya Karande Patil, a trusted wrist fracture surgeon in Pune, to get the right treatment and care.
Metacarpal Fractures
Metacarpal fractures refer to fractures of the long bones in the hand that connect the fingers to the wrist. These fractures can result from direct trauma or impact to the hand. Treatment may involve casting, splinting, or in some cases, surgical intervention to realign the bones.
Phalangeal Fractures
Phalangeal fractures involve the bones of the fingers and thumb. These fractures can be classified as either closed (simple) fractures or open (compound) fractures where the bone breaks through the skin. Treatment typically includes immobilization, splinting, or surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.
Scaphoid Fractures
The scaphoid is a small bone located near the base of the thumb. Fractures of the scaphoid are common and can result from a fall on an outstretched hand. Due to the limited blood supply to this bone, scaphoid fractures can be challenging to heal and may require prolonged immobilization or surgical intervention.
Colles’ Fracture
Colles’ fracture is a type of wrist fracture where the radius bone in the forearm breaks near the wrist joint. This injury often occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched hand. Treatment may involve casting, splinting, or surgery to realign the fractured bone.
Smith’s Fracture
In contrast to Colles’ fracture, Smith’s fracture involves a fracture of the radius bone, but the break occurs in the opposite direction, towards the palm. This type of fracture can also result from a fall onto an outstretched hand and may require similar treatment options as Colles’ fracture.
Boxer’s Fracture
A boxer’s fracture is a fracture of the metacarpal bone in the hand that connects to the pinky finger. This type of fracture often occurs from a direct blow to a clenched fist, common in fistfights or sports-related activities. Treatment may involve casting, splinting, or surgery to realign the fractured bone.
Conclusion:
Hand and wrist fractures are prevalent injuries caused by falls, direct trauma, or sports activities. Recognizing various fracture types like metacarpal, phalangeal, scaphoid, Colles’, Smith’s, and boxer’s fractures is crucial for effective treatment. Treatment options vary from immobilization with casting or splinting to surgery, depending on the fracture’s severity and location. Prompt medical attention from a hand surgeon in Pune guarantees proper care and promotes a successful recovery from these injuries.
