Hand Fractures: Indications, the Tried and True and New Innovations

J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Jun;41(6):712-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2016.03.007. Epub 2016 Apr 22.

Abstract

Hand fractures are the second most common fracture of the upper extremity, and management of patients with these injuries is common for most hand surgery practices. In this article, we outline the principles of management of these injuries with a special focus on those that are common or complex. We also highlight recent innovations in the context of these injuries. From this cross-section of contemporary evidence on phalangeal and metacarpal fracture treatment, we have noted a trend toward minimally invasive surgery with immediate postoperative mobilization, the use of wide-awake anesthesia, as well as sustained investigation and innovation in the biomechanics and treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocations.

Keywords: Metacarpal; fracture; hand fracture; open reduction internal fixation; phalanx.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Plates
  • Bone Screws
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Finger Injuries / epidemiology
  • Finger Injuries / surgery
  • Forecasting
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / trends
  • Fracture Healing / physiology*
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Hand Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Hand Injuries / epidemiology
  • Hand Injuries / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / trends
  • Multiple Trauma / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Trauma / epidemiology
  • Multiple Trauma / surgery*
  • Prognosis
  • Radiography / methods
  • Risk Assessment