Hand Wrist and Thumb Fractures
Hand, Wrist & Thumb Fracture Treatment in Houston, TX
Suffering from a hand, wrist, or thumb fracture? Our highly trained specialists at the Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas are here to provide expert diagnosis and treatment. Dial (713) 322-0054 to book an appointment at our Houston, Baytown, or Katy, Texas facilities.
Understanding Hand, Wrist & Thumb Fractures
Fractures in the hand, wrist, or thumb can vary greatly, from minor cracks to severe breaks involving shattered bones. Given the complex structure of our hands, even seemingly minor injuries should be addressed promptly to prevent long-term issues. Our Houston hand specialists are equipped to assist you in navigating various types of fractures, including but not limited to:
- Closed Fracture: The bone remains contained within the skin, not breaking through it.
- Open (or Compound) Fracture: The bone breaks through and protrudes from the skin.
- Hairline Fracture: A fine crack appears in the bone, but it remains largely intact.
- Single Fracture: The bone breaks at a single point.
- Segmental Fracture: The bone experiences breaks at two distinct locations.
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone shatters into several pieces.
- Displaced Fracture: The bone breaks into irregular pieces, complicating the realignment process.
- Non-Displaced Fracture: The bone breaks into relatively even pieces, facilitating easier realignment.
- Greenstick Fracture: One side of the bone breaks while the other side bends.
- Torus Fracture: The bone breaks on one side, resulting in a protruding bump on the other side.
Whether it’s a visible bone protrusion or an underlying issue causing persistent pain, HSST is here to offer swift and effective solutions.
Recognizing the Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly:
- Swelling, bruising, or bleeding
- Intense pain
- Restricted movement in the affected area
- Numbness or tingling sensations
Causes of Fractures
Fractures can arise from various situations, including:
- Trauma from falls, vehicular accidents, or sports injuries
- Osteoporosis-induced fragility
- Overuse leading to muscle fatigue and increased bone pressure
Location of Fractures
Fractures in the hand, wrist and thumb are commonly in the following places:
Scaphoid fracture: one of eight tiny wrist bones, the scaphoid is most commonly broken if the wrist is used to cushion a fall—often on slippery sidewalks, and in snowboarding, inline skating, hockey, or other sports.
Colles fracture: a break in the radius bone of your forearm (the one on the thumb side), usually about one inch from where it joins the wrist bones. It is also frequently caused when the wrist is used to cushion a fall.
Thumb and finger fractures: Bones are naturally rigid but can bend a little if an outside force is applied. But catching your thumb or finger in a way that creates a sideways or backward bend can result in a fracture. Sports, breaking a fall with the hand, and operating machinery are common culprits in this injury.
Other fractures we see of the hand, wrist, and thumb include joint dislocations and ulnar bone fractures near the wrist.
While there are always exceptions, if you have a fractured bone, you are usually in pain, particularly upon moving adjoining areas.
- Swelling, bruising, and if open, bleeding
- Intense pain
- Inability to move the affected area
- Numbness and tingling in the affected area (sometimes)
Diagnosis & Treatment
In case of a suspected fracture, it is crucial to immobilize the affected area and seek immediate medical attention in Houston. At the ER or primary care office, diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be conducted to determine the best course of treatment, which could involve:
- Self-healing through stabilization/immobilization
- Bone realignment through manipulation or surgery
- Surgical interventions involving hardware like pins, screws, or plates
