ABSTRACT
This article describes the office treatment for five common hand fractures. In addition to examination findings and treatment options, guidelines are provided for those complications that necessitate orthopedic referral. The five fractures reviewed include mallet finger fractures, distal phalangeal fractures, fractures from volar plate injuries to the middle phalanx, dorsal dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and fractures of the fifth metacarpal.
Subject(s)
Family Practice , Fractures, Bone/therapy , Hand Injuries/complications , Hand Injuries/therapy , Finger Injuries/complications , Finger Injuries/therapy , Fractures, Bone/etiology , HumansABSTRACT
Diagnostic arthrocentesis and therapeutic joint and soft tissue injections are important components in the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints for the primary care physician. Proper knowledge of joint architecture anatomic landmarks, indications, contraindications, and complications of injection will enable the physician to provide the patient with a maximum of benefit with a minimum of risk.
Subject(s)
Injections, Intra-Articular , Joint Diseases/diagnosis , Joint Diseases/drug therapy , Punctures , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage , Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage , Contraindications , Humans , Injections, Intra-Articular/adverse effects , Injections, Intra-Articular/methods , Punctures/methods , Suction , Synovial Fluid/chemistryABSTRACT
Family physicians can manage most finger injuries, including uncomplicated fractures, proximal interphalangeal joint dislocations, closed tendon injuries and ligament sprains. Finger injuries that can cause long-term morbidity may present as minor sprains. Diagnosis requires a thorough history, systematic examination and radiographic evaluation.
