Introduction

Using the hand is a vital part of our existence; in many ways our ability to manipulate with our hands is what has allowed us build our civilization. Injury, especially broken bones in the hand, halts this ability and results in severe disability. Fortunately, most hand fractures heal quickly and do not result in long term problems. The challenge for patients with these fractures and the doctors that treat them is to restore function as fully and as quickly as possible. You are a vital partner in this process. This guide is intended to help you understand your part.

In the hand there are 27 bones with over 30 joints between them. All of the structures can be injured, making the task of describing hand fractures difficult. A comprehensive account of all possible hand fractures would make dull reading especially as you are really only interested in one type of fracture - yours. This guide will focus on the general principles of the treatment and rehabilitation of major injuries to the hand and describe a few of the more common fractures in detail.

This guide will help you understand

• what parts of the hand are involved
• what the symptoms are
• what can cause these fractures
• how doctors diagnose these fractures
• what the treatment options are