Hand Injuries Orthopaedic • Splinting and immobilise any fracture • Seek treatment immediately
Injuries of the hand and wrist are not only painful, they can also disrupt the movement and function that is vital to your daily activities, from eating, dressing to earning a living. When you fracture a finger bone, it can cause your whole hand to be out of alignment. Deep cuts are the main cause of tendon injuries and are usually complex, especially when it involves the tendons and possibly the nerves. First Aid • Remove rings as soon as possible, as they can cause constriction to fingers when the hand swells. • Stop bleeding
Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about the event’s happening and examine the hand to explore the extent of damage to deeper structures e.g. tendon, vessels and nerves. X-rays and other diagnostic imaging such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be ordered, as necessary. Immediate management • You will be given anti-tetanus injection if you have not receive any anti-tetanus injection in recent years. • Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection. • Painkillers or injection will be prescribed to ease pain. Non surgery (conservative) • Remove any foreign objects, if present. • Dress broken skin or wound to protect and promote wound healing.
• Suturing may be necessary for cuts and lacerations. • Splint or cast may be applied to hand and arm to support fracture, if presence. Surgery Operation is required if your hand is severely injured. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, you may need surgery to insert pins, screws, or wire in place to hold your fractured bones together. Tendon and nerve injuries may require surgical repair to minimise disability.
Call your doctor when you have • Pain that is not relieved with medication • Persistent high fever ( >38.5 C ̊ ) • Excessive bleeding from wound • Foul smell from wound • Numbness of fingers and hand
Caring for your hand after an injury or surgery Keep your hand elevated above your heart level for the first several days. This helps to reduce swelling and pain. Rehabilitation You may be referred to a hand therapist or occupational therapist to do hand exercises and to restore your hand function.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
OS.PE.07.1117