Types of Hand Fractures and How They Are Treated

At Loredo Hand Care Institute in Grapevine, Texas, Dr. Pedro Loredo provides expert care for patients with hand injuries, including fractures. Serving the communities of Farmers Branch, Dallas, and the greater DFW area, our practice specializes in advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments to restore hand strength, mobility, and comfort. Because the hands are made up of many delicate bones, ligaments, and tendons, even a small fracture can have a major impact and require expertise to repair.

Common Types of Hand Fractures

The hand contains 27 bones, and fractures can occur in different areas depending on the type of injury. One of the most common is a metacarpal fracture, which involves the long bones in the palm. These often result from falls, sports injuries, or direct trauma, such as punching a hard object. Another frequent type is a phalangeal fracture, which affects the bones in the fingers. These fractures can occur at the tip, middle, or base of the finger, and they may cause stiffness.

Certain hand fractures are named for the specific bone or pattern involved. A “Boxer’s fracture” refers to a break in the fifth metacarpal near the knuckle of the pinky finger. Spiral or oblique fractures may extend diagonally through the bone, while comminuted fractures occur when the bone breaks into multiple pieces. Each type of fracture requires careful evaluation by a hand surgeon to determine the best treatment plan.

How Hand Fractures Are Diagnosed

A thorough diagnosis is critical for restoring proper function. Dr. Loredo uses a combination of physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or, in complex cases, CT scans, at Grapevine’s Loredo Hand Care Institute to identify the location, severity, and alignment of the fracture. Because hand fractures can also affect surrounding soft tissue, a detailed evaluation ensures that ligament or tendon injuries are not overlooked. This precise approach helps prevent stiffness, weakness, or misalignment from becoming long-term problems.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Hand Fractures

Not all hand fractures require surgery. If the bone is stable and properly aligned, treatment may involve immobilization with a cast, splint, or brace. This allows the bone to heal naturally while minimizing movement that could disrupt recovery. Pain management, swelling control, and physical therapy are often part of the treatment process. Early therapy can help preserve range of motion and reduce stiffness, which are common challenges during recovery.

Surgical Options for Complex Fractures

When fractures are unstable, displaced, or involve multiple pieces, corrective surgery may be necessary. Dr. Loredo specializes in surgical techniques for hand fractures, including the use of pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the bone. Surgical intervention helps restore proper alignment in fractures that could otherwise heal incorrectly. After surgery, a personalized rehabilitation plan ensures patients regain strength and mobility while protecting the healing bone.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

With proper treatment, most hand fractures heal successfully, though recovery times vary based on the type of fracture and the treatment method. Many patients begin gentle rehabilitative exercises within weeks to improve flexibility, while complete healing may take several months. At Loredo Hand Care Institute, follow-up care ensures that patients progress smoothly through each stage of healing. 

Get Expert Hand Fracture Care in Grapevine, Farmers Branch, and Dallas

If you experience a hand injury, timely evaluation by an experienced hand surgeon is essential for proper healing. Dr. Pedro Loredo at Loredo Hand Care Institute provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for all types of hand fractures, from simple breaks to complex injuries. Serving Grapevine, Farmers Branch, Dallas, and surrounding areas, our practice will work to help you regain the function of your hands. To schedule an appointment, call (972) 939-4974.