A broken finger, also known as a finger fracture, occurs when one or more bones in the finger crack or break. This common injury often results from direct impact, twisting, or crushing forces. The bones, called phalanges, are integral to the hand’s functions, such as grasping and manipulating objects. This article outlines the medical process doctors follow when treating a suspected broken finger.
When to See a Doctor
Several signs indicate a finger injury requires professional medical attention. Immediate and persistent pain is a primary indicator, often accompanied by noticeable swelling and bruising. Your finger might also appear deformed, angled, or shorter than usual, and you may find it difficult to move the affected digit.
Numbness, tingling, or a pale or blue discoloration are concerning symptoms that signal compromised blood flow or nerve damage, warranting urgent care. Seeking prompt medical evaluation helps prevent potential complications like long-term stiffness, pain, or dysfunction.
How Doctors Diagnose
When you present with a suspected broken finger, a doctor begins with a thorough physical examination. This involves visually inspecting the finger for deformities, swelling, or bruising. The doctor also gently palpates the finger to identify tenderness and assess range of motion and nerve function.
The primary diagnostic tool for confirming a broken finger is an X-ray. X-rays provide clear images of the bones, allowing the doctor to visualize the fracture, determine its type, and assess its severity and displacement. For complex fractures or associated soft tissue injuries, additional imaging like a CT scan or MRI may be used for a more detailed evaluation.
Treatment Options
Doctors employ various treatment strategies for broken fingers, ranging from non-surgical methods to surgical interventions, depending on the fracture’s nature and severity. Many finger fractures can heal successfully without surgery, particularly if the bones remain in proper alignment. Non-surgical approaches focus on stabilizing the finger to promote natural healing.
Immobilization is a common non-surgical method, which may involve buddy taping, splints, or casts. Buddy taping involves securing the injured finger to an adjacent, healthy finger, allowing the healthy digit to act as a natural splint. Splints or rigid casts keep the finger still and protected while it heals. Pain management, with over-the-counter or prescribed medications, helps manage discomfort during healing.
Surgical intervention becomes necessary for more complex cases, such as severe displacement of bone fragments, open fractures where the bone breaks through the skin, or fractures that involve a joint. One common surgical procedure is closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, where the bones are realigned without a large incision, and thin metal wires (K-wires) are inserted through the skin to stabilize the fracture. Another option is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which involves making an incision to directly realign the bones and secure them with small plates, screws, or wires. This internal hardware may be temporary or permanent.
Life After Treatment
Following initial treatment, the recovery process for a broken finger spans several weeks to months. Bone union typically takes four to six weeks, but full recovery of function can take longer. Follow-up appointments, often including repeat X-rays, monitor healing progress and ensure proper alignment.
Physical or occupational therapy plays a significant role in restoring finger function, especially after immobilization. Therapists guide patients through tailored exercises to improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and regain strength and dexterity. While many achieve good recovery, some may experience residual stiffness or mild pain, and full restoration of pre-injury function can continue to improve for up to a year.