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Common hand fractures in family practice
1Family Practice Residency Program, Saint Margaret Memorial Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
Archives of Family Medicine
|November 1, 1994
Summary
This article details office-based treatments for five common hand fractures, including mallet finger and fifth metacarpal fractures. It also provides guidance on managing complications requiring orthopedic referral for hand injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Hand fractures are common injuries requiring prompt and accurate management.
- Effective office-based treatment can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
- Understanding specific fracture types guides appropriate intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline office treatment protocols for five prevalent hand fractures.
- To provide guidelines for identifying complications necessitating orthopedic referral.
- To enhance the management of common hand injuries in an outpatient setting.
Main Methods:
- Review of common hand fractures amenable to office treatment.
- Description of examination findings and conservative treatment options.
- Development of criteria for orthopedic referral based on complications.
Main Results:
- Specific treatment strategies for mallet finger, distal phalangeal, middle phalanx volar plate, proximal interphalangeal joint dorsal dislocation, and fifth metacarpal fractures.
- Identification of key signs and symptoms indicating the need for specialist orthopedic consultation.
- Established guidelines for non-operative management and follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Many common hand fractures can be effectively managed in an office setting.
- Early recognition of complications is crucial for optimal hand function.
- This guide assists clinicians in managing hand fractures and determining the need for orthopedic referral.