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Management of Pediatric Hand Injuries in the Acute Setting Part 2: Fractures and Dislocations
Micah K Sinclair1,2, Daniel Santana1, M Claire Manske3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
Insights
Pediatric hand fractures, common in children, require prompt diagnosis and management. Immediate care, including imaging and functional exams, often provides definitive treatment for these upper extremity injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Surgery
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Pediatric hand injuries are common, with phalanx fractures being the most frequent upper extremity fractures in children.
- This article is the second in a series, focusing on the acute care and immediate management of pediatric hand injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the principles of diagnosis and immediate management for specific pediatric hand and finger fractures and dislocations.
- To supplement existing knowledge on pediatric hand injury care with expert opinions.
Main Methods:
- Review of principles for diagnosis and immediate management of common pediatric hand fractures and dislocations.
- Consultation with experts to supplement the review.
- Reference to a detailed primer on splint and cast application for technical aspects.
Main Results:
- Phalanx fractures are the most common pediatric upper extremity fractures, with treatment dependent on fracture location.
- Radiographs and clinical functional exams are essential for determining appropriate treatment.
- Immediate management can often be definitive for presenting injuries.
Conclusions:
- Proper diagnosis and immediate management are crucial for effective treatment of pediatric hand fractures.
- Follow-up with a hand specialist within one week is recommended for optimal outcomes in pediatric hand fractures.
Abstract:
This is the second article in a three-part series on the acute care of pediatric hand injuries. The first article covered what defines a pediatric hand injury, general principles, when to refer a child to a pediatric hand surgeon, and an overview of immobilizing the pediatric hand and upper extremity. For a detailed collection on the technical aspects of pediatric splint and cast application, the reader is referred to the JPOSNA Primer on Cast and Splint Application. https://www.jposna.com/content/jposna_ae_primer_on_cast_and_splint_application. This section will discuss the principles of diagnosis and immediate management for specific fractures and dislocations. Expert opinions were consulted to supplement this review.
Key Concepts:
(1)Phalanx fractures are among the most common upper extremity fractures in children. Treatment varies based on the fracture's location within the phalanx.(2)Radiographs of the finger (including thumb) and clinical functional exam, including evaluation of the involved finger in flexion, are necessary to determine appropriate treatment.(3)Immediate management at time of injury can often be definitive treatment of the presenting injury.(4)Detailed management is described for the most common finger, hand, and carpal fractures.(5)Follow-up with a hand specialist within 1 week of injury will ensure proper treatment of pediatric hand fractures.
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