conditions

Bony injuries

A fracture (broken bone) is normally sustained traumatically and should be assessed and treated immediately.

Fractures are classified in to different groups according to severity, stability, alignment and the specific bone that has been damaged. They may be extra-articular (away from the joint) or intra-articular (through the joint surface at the end of the bone).

Treatment of fractures aims to restore anatomical positioning of the bone, ensure stability and regain movement and function. This sometimes requires surgery, will most often require immobilisation in a cast or splint, and should aim to allow early active movement of the affected area as soon as possible to ensure the best functional outcome. The London Hand and Wrist Unit uses a multi-disciplinary approach to the management of fractures, calling on the skills of specialist hand surgeons and hand therapists to work together with the patient to achieve the best outcome possible.

Complications can include open injury (where the skin is damaged over the fracture site), comminution (where the bone is shattered in to many small pieces), significant soft tissue injury in the same area as the fracture and prolonged immobilisation.

Fractures commonly seen in the London Hand and Wrist Unit are:

• Finger and thumb fractures
• Distal radial fractures
• Metacarpal fractures
• Fractures of the carpal bones (eg scaphoid)

For further information about fractures follow these links:

• Hand Fractures - more information >
• Wrist Fractures more information >

Joint injuries include sprains, dislocations and damage to the ligaments and soft tissues surrounding the joint.

They are either treated surgically or non-surgically, may require a period of immobilisation with a cast or splint, followed by a period of controlled exercise to regain range of motion.