Hand and wrist fractures are fairly common injuries. While many heal themselves with little intervention other than a brace or cast, others require further care in the form of plastic surgery to restore strength and mobility to the hand.
We are pleased to be able to offer a comprehensive plastic surgery service at our offices in Dallas, TX that can be used to address all severities of a hand fracture.
What causes hand fractures?
Hand fractures can occur for a variety of reasons. In many cases, they are caused by accidents such as trips and falls, where we instinctively throw out our hands to protect our face from injury. Others happen because of participation in a sport or activity that involves our hands. Whatever the cause, the severity of the fracture can dictate what treatment is required.
Symptoms of a hand fracture
Not all fractures, even those of the hand, are obvious immediately. However, there are some symptoms which, if experienced, indicate that you may have sustained some damage and should arrange for your doctor to assess your hand straight away. They include the following:
Swelling of the hand
Pain that doesn’t go away
Loss of movement
Stiffness
Obvious deformity
A depressed knuckle
In order to make a complete diagnosis, your doctor will need to arrange for you to have an x-ray which will enable them to visualize the damage you have sustained. Using this information, your doctor can then make a recommendation for treatment – be that performed by themselves or involve a referral to a plastic surgeon.
Treatment for hand fractures
Hairline fractures usually heal themselves with minimal intervention. Your doctor will reset the affected bone so that it is in the correct position and then secure it with a splint or cast.
However, if you have a full fracture, which is where the bone has split into two separate pieces, you will be recommended to seek the advice and support of a plastic surgeon. This is because surgery is likely to be needed to place and secure the bone – something which often involves the use of plates, pins or wires. If the damage to your bone is severe, you may require a procedure known as a bone graft. This is where bone is taken from another part of your body, often the hip or shin, and grafted onto the bone in your hand that requires rebuilding.
Exactly how long it will take you to recover from your plastic surgery will depend on the type of fracture you sustained and the extent of the surgery needed to treat it. Most adults need between two weeks and two months to fully recover, while children heal more quickly. Following the advice of your surgical team will help to reduce the risk of complications and ensure you get the swiftest and most straightforward recovery from your procedure. It is important to bear in mind that you may need some sessions of physical therapy to help you regain full strength and mobility in your hand. Your surgeon will advise you if this is to be expected when you attend your consultation appointment.
If you have any questions about plastic surgery for hand fractures, our team of friendly and knowledgeable experts are on hand to help. Contact our offices in Dallas, TX today to schedule your appointment.
