Finger Fractures, Dislocations, and Breaks

Overview of Finger Fractures and Dislocations

What is a Finger Fracture?

A finger fracture is when one or more of the bones in the finger (called phalanges) break/fracture due to trauma, such as a fall, a sports injury, or a crush. The finger is made up of three bones (except the thumb, which has two), and fractures vary in severity depending on the type of break and its location.

Types of Finger Fractures:

Simple Fracture:

A clean break where the bone is fractured but remains in position. This type is usually stable and may not require surgery.

Compound (Open) Fracture:

In this type, the broken bone pierces the skin, exposing the bone to the external environment. Compound fractures carry a higher risk of infection and typically require surgery.

Comminuted Fracture:

This involves the bone shattering into multiple pieces. Comminuted fractures can be complex and often require surgical intervention for proper healing.

Understanding Finger Dislocations

A finger dislocation occurs when the bones forming a joint in the finger are forced out of their normal positions. It can occur at any of the finger’s joints (distal, middle, or proximal) and is often caused by trauma or sudden force, such as in sports injuries.

Dislocations are different from fractures in that the bones remain intact but are misaligned. Dislocations are typically visible due to the abnormal angle of the finger and are often accompanied by swelling and pain.

Differentiating Between Finger Fractures and Dislocations

Fracture: The bone is broken. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the finger. X-rays are usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
Dislocation: The bones in a joint are displaced but not broken. The finger often appears visibly out of alignment. Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the finger are also common, but a dislocation may be reduced (put back into place) without needing surgery if treated promptly.

In some cases, a dislocation can accompany a fracture, known as a fracture-dislocation, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.

Prevalence of Finger Injuries in Various Populations

Finger fractures and dislocations are common in various groups, particularly those engaged in physical activities or occupations that put their hands at risk. Some key populations include:

Athletes: Particularly in contact sports (e.g., football, rugby) and ball-handling sports (e.g., basketball, volleyball). These sports often involve rapid impact or falls that can cause fractures or dislocations.
Manual Labourers: Those working with heavy machinery, construction, or other physical tasks are at higher risk for finger fractures, especially due to crush injuries.
Children and Adolescents: Due to their high levels of physical activity and developing coordination, this group frequently experiences finger injuries during play or sports.
Older Adults: Osteoporosis or decreased bone density increases the risk of fractures in older adults, even with minor falls or impacts.

Understanding the type of injury, how to differentiate between fractures and dislocations, and the populations most at risk helps diagnose and treat finger injuries appropriately. Access Ortho is an Urgent Care Clinic that specialises in Fractures and dislocations.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms and Causes of Finger Fractures and Dislocations

Common Causes of Finger Fractures and Dislocations:

Trauma or Direct Impact:
Finger fractures and dislocations often occur due to direct trauma, such as:
1. Falls: Landing on an outstretched hand can exert enough force to break or dislocate a finger.
2. Sports Injuries: Contact sports (football, rugby) or ball-handling sports (basketball, volleyball) are common causes due to sudden impacts or awkward landings.
3. Crush Injuries: Accidents in which fingers are caught in doors, machinery, or other heavy objects can lead to fractures.
Twisting Forces:
A sudden twisting of the finger, often seen in sports or physical work, can dislocate a joint or fracture the bone.
Overuse Injuries:
Repetitive stress over time can lead to stress fractures, particularly in people engaging in high-impact activities that involve the hands.

Risk Factors for Finger Injuries:

Participation in Sports:
Contact sports athletes have a greater risk due to high-impact collisions, falls, and repetitive movements.
Manual Labour or Physical Occupations:
Jobs requiring frequent hand use, especially with tools or heavy objects, expose individuals to a higher risk of crush or impact injuries.
Age:
1. Children and Adolescents: More likely to experience finger fractures due to physical activity and underdeveloped coordination.
2. Older Adults: Bone density decreases with age (osteoporosis), making fractures more likely even with mild trauma.
Poor Coordination or Muscle Strength:
Weak grip strength or lack of coordination can increase the risk of falling or getting fingers caught in dangerous positions.
Previous Injuries:
A history of finger fractures or dislocations makes the joints and bones more susceptible to reinjury.

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken/fractured or Dislocated Finger:

Pain:
Sudden, intense pain at the site of injury, which worsens with movement or touch.
Swelling:
Localised swelling occurs rapidly, often making the finger look larger and stiff.
Deformity:
- Fracture: The finger may appear crooked or shortened, depending on the type of fracture.
- Dislocation: The finger is visibly out of place or misaligned.
Bruising and Discolouration:
Blood vessels can be damaged, causing the area to turn blue, purple, or red.
Inability to Move the Finger:
Movement may be extremely painful or impossible, especially in severe cases.
Numbness or Tingling:
If a nerve is damaged, the injured finger may feel numb or tingly.

Potential Complications of Untreated Finger Fractures and Dislocations:

Malunion or Nonunion:
1. Malunion: The bones heal improperly, causing a deformity in the finger’s shape or length.
2. Nonunion: The bones fail to heal, leading to chronic pain and instability.
Chronic Joint Instability:
Untreated dislocations can result in the finger becoming loose or unstable, making it prone to reinjury.
Reduced Range of Motion:
Without proper treatment, a dislocated or fractured finger can heal with stiffness or loss of mobility, limiting hand function.
Osteoarthritis:
A fracture or dislocation that involves the joint may cause early-onset osteoarthritis, leading to chronic pain, swelling, and reduced mobility over time.
Infection (in Compound Fractures):
In open fractures, bacteria can enter through the broken skin, leading to infections that can complicate healing and potentially require antibiotics or surgery.
Permanent Nerve Damage:
Untreated fractures or dislocations can cause long-term nerve damage, this can cause loss of sensation or motor control in the affected finger.

Seeking prompt treatment for finger injuries ensures proper healing and minimises the risk of long-term complications. Access Ortho is a private Fracture clinic in Brisbane and Ipswich offering urgent orthopaedic appointments for fractures and dislocations.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis and Tests for Finger Fractures and Dislocations

How Are Finger Fractures and Dislocations Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a finger fracture or dislocation typically involves taking a medical history, doing a physical examination and arranging imaging tests. The goal is to determine the extent of the injury, identify the exact location of the fracture or dislocation, and assess whether other structures, such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves, have been affected.

Patient History:

The medical practitioner will ask how the injury occurred, assess the pain level, and ask about symptoms such as numbness or reduced movement. A history of previous hand injuries will also be considered.

Physical Examination:

During the examination, the doctor will look for:

Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
Tenderness when pressing on the finger
Range of motion, if possible
Sensory deficits (indicating potential nerve involvement)
Joint stability, especially for suspected dislocations

Imaging Techniques Used for Finger Injuries:

X-Rays:

X-rays are the primary imaging tool used to diagnose finger fractures and dislocations. They provide clear images of bone structure and can easily show fractures, the alignment of dislocated joints, and whether there are multiple breaks (comminuted fractures). X-rays can also help determine if the fracture is simple, compound, or involves the joint.

CT Scans (Computed Tomography):

In cases where a fracture is complex or involves multiple small bone fragments (e.g., comminuted fractures), a CT scan may be used. Detailed cross-sectional images provided by CT scans allow for better visualisation of tiny fractures that may not be visible on standard X-rays. This is particularly useful when planning surgical intervention.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

MRI is typically used if soft tissue damage, such as torn ligaments, tendons, or cartilage damage, is suspected. It provides high-resolution images of soft tissues and can help identify injuries that accompany fractures or dislocations, especially if nerve involvement is suspected or the injury doesn’t heal as expected with initial treatment.

Ultrasound:

While less common, ultrasound can be used to assess soft tissue injuries, for example tendon or ligament tears, particularly when MRI is unavailable. It’s a quick, non-invasive tool that can help detect other issues contributing to the finger injury.

Physical Examination Procedures for Assessing Finger Injuries:

Visual Inspection:

The healthcare provider will visually inspect the finger for deformities, swelling, bruising, or an open wound (in the case of compound fractures). They will also check for abnormal alignment, which can indicate a dislocation or fracture.

Palpation (Touch):

The injured finger will be gently touched or pressed to assess:

Tenderness: Localised pain at the site of the fracture or dislocation.
Crepitus: A crackling sound or sensation under the skin, which can suggest broken bone fragments.
Joint Stability: Testing the integrity of the joints to determine if a dislocation has occurred.
Range of Motion (ROM) Testing:

If it is possible without causing too much pain, the healthcare provider may ask the patient to move the injured finger. They will observe for:

Limited mobility: Difficulty moving the finger may indicate a fracture or dislocation.
Pain during movement: Specific movements that cause sharp pain can suggest the location of the injury.
Neurovascular Assessment:

Testing for nerve and blood vessel function is crucial, especially in more severe injuries:

Sensation Testing: The doctor may check for numbness or tingling in the finger to assess nerve damage.
Capillary Refill Test: A test to check blood flow in the injured finger. The doctor presses on the fingertip to see how quickly blood returns after releasing the pressure. Slow refill time can indicate a problem with blood circulation.
Stability Testing (for Dislocations):

For suspected dislocations, the doctor may assess the stability of the joint by gently manipulating the finger to see if it feels loose or unstable. This can help identify joint misalignment.

The team at Access Ortho specialises in fractures and dislocations. Contact Access Ortho if you have concerns about your finger injury.

Specific Considerations

Specific Considerations for Finger Fractures and Dislocations

Anatomy of the Finger: Bones, Joints, and Ligaments

The finger is made up of three bones called phalanges (except the thumb, which has two):

Proximal Phalanx: This is the bone nearest to the hand.
Middle Phalanx: The bone between the proximal and distal phalanges (not present in the thumb).
Distal Phalanx: This is the bone at the end of the finger.

The finger joints are:

Metacarpophalangeal Joint (MCP): The joint where the finger connects to the hand.
Proximal Interphalangeal Joint (PIP): The joint between the proximal and middle phalanges.
Distal Interphalangeal Joint (DIP): The joint between the middle and distal phalanges.

The ligaments and tendons of the finger provide stability and enable movement. Key ligaments include:

Collateral Ligaments: On the sides of each joint, stabilising the finger.
Volar Plate: A thick ligament that prevents hyperextension of the finger joints.

Differences Between Proximal, Middle, and Distal Phalanx Fractures

Proximal Phalanx Fractures:
1. Location: These fractures occur in the bone closest to the hand.
2. Characteristics: These are often caused by direct trauma, such as a fall or blow. Proximal phalanx fractures are usually stable but may be displaced due to the pull of nearby tendons. Healing can be complicated if the fracture extends into the joint (intra-articular fracture), potentially causing stiffness.
Middle Phalanx Fractures:
1. Location: These fractures occur in the middle bone of the finger.
2. Characteristics: Middle phalanx fractures are less common and often result from crush injuries or hyperextension. They can be challenging to treat because of the risk of damaging the PIP joint, which plays a crucial role in bending the finger. Proper alignment is essential for maintaining function.
Distal Phalanx Fractures:
1. Location: These occur in the bone at the fingertip.
2. Characteristics: Often the result of crush injuries (e.g., slamming a finger in a door) or sports injuries. Distal phalanx fractures are frequently associated with nail bed injuries or avulsions. These fractures may affect fine motor skills, as the distal phalanx plays a key role in grip and dexterity.

Mallet Finger: A Specific Type of Finger Injury

Mallet Finger (which is also known as “baseball finger”) is an injury that occurs when the distal phalanx (tip of the finger) is forced into flexion while trying to extend the finger. This results in a rupture or avulsion of the extensor tendon that straightens the finger at the DIP joint.

Cause: Typically caused by a sudden impact or force, such as a ball hitting the fingertip in sports.
Symptoms:
- Inability to straighten the fingertip.
- Pain, swelling, and bruising at the tip of the finger.
Treatment:
Initial treatment usually involves splinting the DIP joint in full extension for approximately 6 to 8 weeks to allow the tendon to heal. Surgery may be required in more severe cases, for example when there is an avulsion fracture, this is where a piece of bone is pulled away by the tendon.

Impact of Finger Injuries on Hand Function and Daily Activities

Finger injuries can profoundly impact hand function and daily activities, especially if not treated properly.

Grip Strength and Dexterity:
The fingers are essential for grasping objects, pinching, and performing delicate tasks (e.g., typing, writing, and buttoning clothes). Even minor injuries, especially to the distal phalanx or the joints, can reduce grip strength and impair fine motor skills.
Range of Motion and Stiffness:
Untreated or improperly healed fractures can lead to reduced flexibility in the joints, making it difficult to extend or bend the fingers fully. This can affect basic activities like holding a cup or using tools.
Pain and Swelling:
Persistent pain and swelling from a finger injury can limit one’s ability to perform daily tasks that require hand use, such as cooking, cleaning, or dressing.
Long-Term Complications:
Untreated fractures or dislocations can lead to chronic problems such as malunion (healing in a misaligned position), nonunion (failure to heal), and osteoarthritis, which can cause pain, deformity, and functional limitations over time.
Psychological and Emotional Impact:
In some cases, finger injuries can lead to frustration and anxiety over the ability to return to normal activities, especially for people who rely heavily on their hands for work (e.g., artists, musicians, and manual labourers).

Overall, finger injuries—whether fractures or dislocations—need prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term disability and maintain full hand function. Access Ortho is a Brisbane and Ipswich Fracture clinic offering urgent appointments for orthopaedic injuries.

Management and Treatment

Management and Treatment of Finger Fractures and Dislocations

Conservative Treatment Options for Finger Fractures and Dislocations:

Conservative treatment is often used for less severe finger fractures and dislocations, especially when the injury is stable and the bones are well-aligned.

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE):
1. Rest: Avoid using the injured finger to allow healing.
2. Ice: The application of ice packs to reduce swelling and pain (for 15-20 minutes every few hours).
3. Compression: Wrapping the injured finger can help control swelling.
4. Elevation: Keeping the hand elevated helps reduce swelling by promoting blood circulation.
Immobilisation: Immobilisation is essential to ensure the bones or joints heal correctly. Various methods (splints, casts, buddy taping) are used depending on the injury (detailed below).
Pain Management (details below): Pain relief can be achieved using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or panadol.
Reduction (for dislocations): If the bones of the joint are out of alignment, a doctor may manually perform a reduction to reposition the joint. This is often done under local anaesthesia or sedation.

Surgical Interventions for Complex Finger Injuries:

Surgery is typically recommended for complex injuries, such as:

Comminuted Fractures: Multiple bone fragments that cannot align properly on their own.
Open (Compound) Fractures: This is when the bone breaks through the skin, requiring surgery to prevent infection.
Fracture-Dislocations: When both the bone and joint are damaged, making reduction and healing difficult.
Joint Involvement: Surgery may be needed to restore joint stability and function if the fracture extends into a joint.

Surgical Options:

Internal Fixation: Pins, screws, plates, or wires may be used to hold the bone fragments in place while they heal.
External Fixation: For severe injuries, external devices may be used to stabilise the finger while the bones heal.
Tendon or Ligament Repair: In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair torn tendons or ligaments damaged during the injury.

Immobilisation Techniques:

Splints: Splints immobilise the finger and hold it in a stable position to promote healing. They can be custom-made to fit the finger and are often used in fractures or after a dislocation has been reduced.
1. Volar Splints: These are used for fractures and dislocations to immobilise the finger and prevent movement at the joints.
2. Aluminium Foam Splints: Lightweight splints that provide support while allowing air circulation around the finger.
Casts: In more severe cases or if multiple fingers are involved, a cast may be used to immobilise the entire hand and wrist. This is often done to provide more rigid support than a splint. Access Ortho offers a range of casts such as Thermoplastic Exos cast, fibreglass or plaster. Access Ortho will refer the patient to a hand therapist if a custom splint is required.
Buddy Taping: For stable fractures or minor dislocations, buddy taping is a simple method where the injured finger is taped to the finger beside it for support. This allows some movement while stabilising the injured finger and preventing it from excessive motion.

Pain Management Strategies for Finger Injuries:

Over-the-Counter Medications:
1. Ibuprofen (NSAIDs): Reduces inflammation and provides pain relief.
2. Panadol (Paracetamol): Provides pain relief but without anti-inflammatory effects.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the injured finger can help reduce pain and swelling, especially in the first 48 hours after injury.
Elevation: Keeping the hand elevated can reduce swelling, which in turn alleviates pain.
Prescription Pain Medications: For severe injuries or after surgery, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medications such as opioids. However, these should only be used for short-term relief due to potential side effects and risk of dependency.

Rehabilitation Exercises for Finger Fractures and Dislocations:

Once the fracture or dislocation has healed and the immobilisation device (splint, cast) has been removed, rehabilitation exercises are essential to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Depending on the degree of stiffness, rehabilitation may need to be done under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

Range of Motion Exercises:
- Passive Range of Motion (PROM): The physiotherapist may begin by gently moving your finger through its full range of motion.
- Active Range of Motion (AROM): You will eventually be encouraged to actively move your finger in different directions without assistance.

Examples:

Finger Bends: Slowly bend the finger into a fist and then extend it fully. Start with gentle bends and increase the range over time.
Tabletop Exercise: Place your hand flat on a table and slowly lift just your fingers off the surface, keeping the palm down.

Strengthening Exercises:
- Squeeze Balls: Squeezing a soft ball or putty can help rebuild grip strength.
- Finger Pinches: Using your thumb and index finger, pinch objects such as clothespins to strengthen the muscles of the fingers.
Tendon Gliding Exercises: These exercises help maintain tendon flexibility and reduce stiffness in the fingers.
- Straight Fist: Bend your fingers into a straight fist and hold for a few seconds, then extend.
- Hook Fist: Curl just the tips of your fingers toward the base of your palm, forming a hook shape.
Joint Mobility Exercises:
- DIP Joint Flexion/Extension: Practice bending and straightening the tip of the finger (DIP joint) while keeping the PIP joint still.
- PIP Joint Flexion/Extension: Focus on bending and straightening the middle joint (PIP) while keeping the other joints still.
Stretching: Gentle stretches can help prevent stiffness and improve flexibility. Stretch the fingers backward and forward with your other hand to gently increase the range of motion.

Proper management, pain control, and rehabilitation are crucial to ensuring that finger fractures and dislocations heal fully without long-term functional impairment.

Prevention

To prevent finger fractures and dislocations, it’s important to:

Strengthen and stretch your fingers through regular exercises to build resilience and flexibility.
Use the correct technique in sports and daily activities, ensuring that you warm up and use your hands correctly to reduce strain.
Wear protective gear like padded gloves, braces, and use ergonomic tools in sports and occupational settings to safeguard your fingers from impacts and repetitive strain.
Follow safety protocols and avoid high-risk manual handling tasks that could lead to crush injuries.
Prevent falls by removing tripping hazards, using handrails, wearing proper footwear, and practising balance exercises.

Outlook / Prognosis

Outlook / Prognosis for Finger Fractures and Dislocations

Expected Recovery Time for Different Types of Finger Injuries:

Simple Fractures:
Simple, non-displaced finger fractures typically take 3 to 6 weeks to heal, depending on the location and severity. Immobilisation with a splint or buddy taping is often sufficient.
Dislocations:
Finger dislocations, if treated promptly, may heal in 2 to 4 weeks. However, joint stiffness may persist for a few months.
Complex Fractures (e.g., Comminuted or Intra-articular):
These injuries may require surgery and could take 6 to 12 weeks or more for full recovery. Post-surgical rehabilitation may extend recovery time.
Tendon or Ligament Injuries (e.g., Mallet Finger):
Injuries involving tendons or ligaments (like mallet finger) generally take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to heal with proper splinting, though full recovery of function can take several months.

Long-Term Prognosis for Finger Fractures and Dislocations:

Excellent Prognosis:
Most simple fractures and dislocations heal fully with appropriate treatment, allowing a return to normal function. Proper rehabilitation is key to regaining range of motion and preventing long-term stiffness.
Complications:
Without proper treatment, or in the case of complex fractures, lingering issues can include joint stiffness, malalignment (where the bones heal in the wrong position), or reduced grip strength.
Severe Injuries:
More complex injuries, especially those involving joints or tendons, may have a longer-lasting impact. In some cases, patients may have chronic pain, weakness, or limited motion in the affected finger.

Potential for Arthritis Development Following Finger Injuries:

Post-Traumatic Arthritis:
One of the most common long-term complications of finger fractures and dislocations is post-traumatic arthritis, particularly if the injury involved a joint. The risk is higher if the fracture extends into the joint (intra-articular fracture) or if there is poor alignment after healing.
Symptoms of Arthritis:
Individuals may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited motion in the affected finger as arthritis develops, sometimes months or years after the injury.
Prevention and Management:
Early and appropriate treatment, including proper bone alignment and rehabilitation, can minimise the risk of arthritis. If arthritis develops, treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, hand therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery may be needed to manage symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention

When to Seek Medical Attention for Finger Injuries

Signs to be Aware of That Indicate the Need for Immediate Medical Care:

Severe Pain or Deformity:

If there is intense pain, visible deformity, or an obvious misalignment of the finger, you need to seek immediate attention.

Inability to Move the Finger:

If you cannot bend or straighten the finger, or if movement is extremely painful, it could be a sign of a fracture, dislocation, or tendon injury.

Numbness or Tingling:

If the finger becomes numb or you experience a tingling sensation, it may suggest nerve damage or impaired circulation and require urgent evaluation.

Open Wound or Compound Fracture:

If the bone is visible through the skin or there is a deep cut associated with the injury, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care to avoid infection and ensure proper bone realignment. Attend your nearest hospital emergency department.

Swelling, Bruising, or Discoloration:

Rapid or excessive swelling, severe bruising, or discolouration that does not improve could indicate a serious injury or impaired blood flow.

Signs of Infection:

After a finger injury, if you develop fever, redness, warmth, or pus near the injury site, this could be a sign of infection, especially with an open wound or post-surgery.

Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring for Finger Injuries:

Initial Follow-Up:

After initial treatment, a follow-up appointment is often scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks to assess healing progress and ensure that any splint, cast, or buddy taping is working as intended. Access Ortho will arrange this for you following your initial visit to the fracture clinic.

Imaging Follow-Up:

Additional X-rays or imaging may be taken during follow-up visits to ensure the bones are healing correctly, especially for fractures near joints or those that were displaced.

Monitoring for Complications:

Doctors will monitor for potential complications, such as poor bone alignment (malunion), non-healing fractures (nonunion), or infection after surgery.

Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy:

In many cases, follow-up appointments will involve initiating or continuing physiotherapy to restore full range of motion, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term loss of function. Regular follow-ups ensure that rehabilitation exercises are progressing as planned.

Access Ortho is a fracture clinic specialising in orthopaedic injuries. Follow up care for non-surgical injuries will be arranged in the clinic with our orthopaedic specialists.

Understanding Fracture Clinics

What is a Fracture Clinic?

A fracture clinic such as Access Ortho is a specialised medical clinic that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of bone fractures and musculoskeletal injuries. Access Ortho Fracture Clinic is staffed by orthopaedic surgeons, emergency physicians and orthopaedic nurse practitioners who are specialists in managing the recovery process for individuals with broken bones or joint injuries.

At Access Ortho fracture clinic, patients receive ongoing care in specialist clinics after the initial emergency or urgent treatment of their injury. The clinic ensures proper healing, monitors for complications, and provides rehabilitation guidance.

When Should You Visit a Fracture Clinic for a Finger Injury?

You should visit a fracture clinic such as Access Ortho in the following situations:

After a finger injury:

You may attend Access Ortho Fracture as your first point of contact following a finger injury. The orthopaedic team will assess your injury and arrange radiology if required before outlining a treatment plan. Access Ortho can cast/splint your finger if required and will arrange orthopaedic follow-up care.

After Initial Treatment of a Finger Fracture or Dislocation:
If you’ve been treated for a finger fracture or dislocation in an emergency department or by your general practitioner, you may attend the fracture clinic for ongoing care and monitoring. You do not need a referral to come to Access Ortho.
For Complex or Displaced Fractures:
If your finger fracture involves multiple bone fragments, joint involvement, or displacement, you may need to be seen by the orthopaedic team at Access Ortho fracture clinic to determine if surgery or advanced interventions are necessary.

What to Expect During a Fracture Clinic Appointment for a Finger Fracture or Dislocation:

During your visit to a fracture clinic, the appointment will generally include the following steps:

Medical History and Symptom Review:
The medical practitioner will ask about your injury, current symptoms (e.g., pain, swelling, stiffness), and how well you’ve recovered since your initial treatment.
Physical Examination:
Your finger will be examined for swelling, alignment, tenderness, range of motion, and any visible deformities or complications. If immobilisation devices like splints or casts are still in place, the doctor may assess their fit or remove them for a closer examination.
Imaging (X-rays or Other Scans):
Follow-up imaging is often used to check the progress of bone healing. This may include X-rays or, in some cases, CT scans or MRIs, especially if the injury involves joint damage or surgical repairs.
Discussion of Treatment Plan:
Based on the assessment findings and imaging results, the orthopaedic team will discuss whether any further treatment is needed, such as:
- Continuing immobilisation (splints, casts, etc.).
- Starting rehabilitation exercises to regain finger strength and flexibility.
- Surgery if complications arise (e.g., malunion or nonunion of the bone).
Rehabilitation Guidance:
The clinic may refer you to a physiotherapist or provide instructions for rehabilitation exercises to improve mobility and function in your finger. In some cases, they may apply buddy taping or a new splint if needed.
Monitoring for Complications:
The specialist will check for signs of complications such as infection, poor healing, or nerve/tendon damage. If any issues are found, further treatment options will be discussed.

Fracture clinics play a key role in ensuring a successful recovery from finger fractures and dislocations. They provide both medical care and rehabilitation support to help restore normal hand function. Access Ortho is one of Brisbane’s leading fracture clinics, providing specialist care for fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains.

Commonly Asked Questions

How can I tell if my finger is broken or just sprained?

Signs of a Fracture: Look for severe pain, visible deformity, inability to move the finger, or swelling and bruising that doesn’t improve. If the pain is localised to a specific area of the bone and there’s significant swelling, it may be a fracture.

Signs of a Sprain: A sprain typically involves pain around the joint, but the finger may still move to some degree. Swelling is present, but deformity is usually absent. If in doubt, see a medical professional for assessment and imaging.

Determining the type or extent of your injury is difficult without a specialist medical assessment. Dislocations and Fractures both need urgent care.

Can I move my finger if it’s fractured?

It may be possible to move your finger slightly, but doing so may cause significant pain or further damage. If you suspect a fracture, try to avoid moving the finger and seek medical attention for an evaluation.

How long does it take for a broken finger to heal completely?

Simple finger fractures typically heal in 3 to 6 weeks. However, complex fractures or those involving the joints may take 6 to 12 weeks or longer, depending on the severity and treatment approach.

Will I need surgery for my finger fracture?

Surgery may be necessary if the fracture is displaced, involves the joint, or if there are multiple fragments. Your medical practitioner will evaluate your injury and recommend the best treatment plan, this may include non-surgical management with immobilisation.

Can a dislocated finger heal on its own?

A dislocated finger typically requires manual reduction (realignment) by a healthcare professional to heal properly. While the surrounding soft tissues may heal on their own after reduction, follow-up care is crucial to ensure proper healing and regain full function.

How soon can I return to work after a finger injury?

The timeline for returning to work depends on the severity of the injury and your job type. For minor fractures or sprains, you may return immediately or within a few days, while more serious injuries may require several weeks or more. Discuss your situation with your healthcare provider.

What’s the difference between a finger fracture and a finger break?

There is no difference; the terms “fracture” and “break” are often used interchangeably to describe the same condition. Both refer to the discontinuity of the bone structure.

Can I drive with a broken or dislocated finger?

You should not drive with a broken or dislocated finger, especially if it affects your ability to grip the steering wheel or use the gear shift. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific situation. Before deciding to drive, you must ensure you will have complete control of a vehicle in all situations.

Will my finger look different after it heals from a fracture?

In some cases, there may be slight changes in appearance, such as a bump where the bone healed, or changes in alignment. Scarring from surgical interventions may also occur. However, many people regain near-normal appearance and function after proper treatment.

How can I manage swelling in my injured finger at home?

To manage swelling, follow the RICE method:

Rest: Keep the injured finger immobilised.
Ice: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling.
Compression: Use a bandage or splint to provide gentle compression.
Elevation: Keep the finger elevated above heart level to decrease swelling.

Always consult a healthcare professional if swelling persists or worsens.