A pinky finger fracture, or break, involves a disruption in one of the small bones that make up the fifth digit of the hand. The finger contains three phalangeal bones, and its base connects to the fifth metacarpal bone in the palm. Because these bones are small and precisely aligned, a fracture can significantly impact the overall function of the hand if not treated correctly.
Identifying Physical Changes
The most obvious sign of a fracture is a noticeable change in the finger’s structure, known as deformity. This may manifest as the pinky finger looking crooked, bent at an unnatural angle, or appearing shortened compared to the adjacent ring finger. A rotational deformity is particularly concerning because it causes the finger to twist and overlap the ring finger when the hand is loosely closed into a fist.
Swelling usually begins rapidly after the initial trauma. This swelling can become severe and may spread to adjacent fingers, making the pinky stiff and difficult to move. Bruising, or hematoma formation, occurs when blood vessels are damaged, causing a black and blue discoloration around the fracture site.
A closed fracture is one where the skin remains intact over the broken bone. An open or compound fracture is more severe, occurring when a bone fragment pierces the skin. If there is a wound with visible bone or a deep cut near the injury site, it indicates an open fracture requiring immediate medical attention due to the high risk of infection.
Recognizing Accompanying Symptoms
Beyond the visible changes, a fracture is accompanied by immediate and localized pain. This pain is often sharp and intensifies with any attempt to move or apply pressure to the injured area. The intensity of the pain often reflects the extent and stability of the underlying bone injury.
Movement of the injured finger may be severely limited or impossible. A person may also hear or feel a grinding sensation, called crepitus, when attempting to move the finger, which results from the broken bone ends rubbing together. Tingling or numbness in the pinky finger suggests potential compression or damage to the small nerves.
Immediate Steps After Injury
The first action following a suspected pinky fracture is to remove any jewelry, such as rings, before swelling makes removal impossible. Next, stabilize the injured finger to prevent further movement of the broken bone fragments. This is accomplished by gently taping the injured pinky to the adjacent ring finger, a technique known as buddy taping.
The injured hand should be kept elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling. Applying a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth for 10 to 20 minutes every couple of hours can also help manage swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage discomfort while seeking medical care.
When Medical Attention Is Necessary
An X-ray is the only way to confirm a fracture, determine its location, and assess the degree of bone displacement. Medical evaluation is always necessary for a suspected break, even if the deformity appears minor. For high-risk indicators, the patient should go directly to an Emergency Room (ER) for immediate care.
An open fracture, severe displacement (where the finger is pointing at an odd angle), or any sign of nerve involvement like numbness or a pale, cool color requires emergency triage. For a closed fracture with minimal displacement, an Urgent Care facility or an orthopedic specialist can provide the necessary X-ray and initial treatment, such as splinting or casting. Delaying treatment can lead to improper alignment, resulting in a permanently stiff, painful, or misaligned finger that impairs hand function.