FRACTURE – PHALANX (FINGER)

Phalanx Fractures are fractures of the small bones of the fingers. Finger fractures may result from a twisting injury, a fall, a crush injury, or direct contact in sports. Symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, deformity, inability to move finger, shortened finger, and/or a finger crossing over its neighbor. The goal of treatment is to realign the bone so that proper healing can take place. Depending on the alignment of the break, your surgeon may or may not recommend surgery. Usually after realigning the finger bone, a splint can be placed to keep it in position for healing.

Phalanx fractures are fractures of the small bones of the fingers. This is no minor injury, as your finger bones must line up perfectly in order to perform specialized functions. A finger fracture can cause your whole hand to be out of alignment and you may be unable execute various tasks like gripping a pen or holding objects in your hand. Finger fractures usually result from a twisting injury, a fall, a crush injury, or direct contact in sports. Many people will fracture their finger(s) by slamming a door on their hand.

Symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, deformity, inability to move finger, shortened finger, and/or a finger crossing over its neighbor. The goal of treatment is to realign the bone so that proper healing can take place. Depending on the alignment of the break, your surgeon may or may not recommend surgery. Usually after realigning the finger bone, a splint or cast can be placed to keep it in position for healing. Neighboring fingers may be splinted together with the fractured one to provide additional support. If the fracture is more severe and cannot be treated conservatively, surgery may be recommended. Pins, screws or a wire may be used to hold the fractured fragments together.