Finger Fracture
A fractured finger is technically called a phalanx fracture. The term phalanx refers to the bones of the fingers and toes. For the purpose of this article we will be focusing on finger fractures. The thumb has a proximal (first bone) and distal phalanx (closest to fingernail) whilst all the other fingers have a proximal, middle and distal phalanx. The hand is the most fractured part of the body and most finger fractures result from a traumatic onset and often
The good news is if you end up with a finger fracture the majority can be managed conservatively and will heal quite quickly. from leisure activities.
The key to getting a good result after a distal radius fracture (or any other fracture) and returning to full function is early management. Activate Physiotherapy offer same day appointments to attend their fracture clinic to ensure your distal radius fracture is managed with the best management from the start.
Distal Phalanx Fracture
The distal phalanx can be fractured at the tuft (tip), shaft or articular region (closest to the joint). The majority of distal phalanx fractures will heal in 3-5 weeks but there are certain injuries that can take a longer time frame. The most well know injuries that occur at the distal phalanx is the mallet finger which is a rupture of the extensor tendon. It is largely a tendon injury but can also involve a fractured fragment. The jersey finger is also a tendon injury that occurs in this region and needs to be correctly managed and assessed. Both bone and soft tissue injuries can occur together and your physiotherapist will organise an Xray and help determine which structures have been involved/fractured then tailor a program to you. Your physiotherapist will manage your finger with a custom based woodcast splint.
Middle Phalanx Fracture
The middle phalanx is often fractured with a transverse, oblique or spiral pattern. These fracture patterns can lead to an angulation, rotation or shortening of the middle phalanx. An Xray will help determine the pattern and help guide the best treatment. The healing time of a middle phalanx is variable depending on its location and the middle of this bone often takes the longest (>10 weeks) due to the density of its cortical bone. The middle phalanx also has important soft tissue surrounding it which is also often injured in the process of fracturing this bone. Depending on what structures are involved it can make a fracture here unstable. Your physiotherapist will manage your finger with a custom based woodcast splint or hand based splint.
Proximal Phalanx Fracture
The proximal phalanx can be fractured similarly to the middle phalanx where transverse fractures often occur and potentially result in some angulation. An Xray will help determine the pattern and help guide the best treatment. The healing time of a proximal phalanx is also variable depending on its location and the middle of this bone often takes a while to heal (>5 weeks) due to the density of its cortical bone. There is important soft tissue surrounding this bone and can be injured in the process of fracturing the bone. Your physiotherapist will manage your finger with a custom based woodcast splint or hand based splint.
Our approach is unique and our physiotherapists understand the importance of integrating your rehab during the healing process and will assist you with a rehabilitation program at the various stages of your healing journey. This reduces the complications that often occur from finger fractures.
All finger injuries including sprains should be assessed by one of our expert Physiotherapists to determine the extent of injury. Whether the injury is bone or soft tissue in nature the treatment can be quite different and specific. It is important to act early as lots of fractures and other important finger injuries can be ignored or missed and this often leads to complications later on. Where there has been trauma involved our Physiotherapists will arrange an Xray and begin organising a specific treatment plan for you. Our Physiotherapists will also put you into a custom splint and provide a progressive rehabilitation plan.
How to Make a Fracture Clinic Appointment
Making an appointment at our fracture clinic is as easy as booking online for your nearest Brisbane based Activate Physiotherapy clinic in Stafford or Gumdale.
No Xray? No problem!
We can arrange bulk-billed xrays to confirm diagnosis and monitor healing.
Need your cast removed?
We can help with that too! We are able to remove backslabs and full plaster or polyester casts
