1
L3 Orthopedic D. Wahby Ghalib
Hand Injuries
The most common cx after hand injury is stiffness
Results from swelling & immobilization
Usually #s heal in 4w
Clinical evaluation: more important than XR evidence of healing.
Safe immobilization
Wrist extended
MPJs flexed
IPJs straight
Thumb abducted
Metacarpal fractures
Angular deformity :usually no interference with function
Rotational deformity : interferes
2
Shaft #
Direct force
Punching
Twisting force
spiral #
Rx
CR + volar or dorsal slab
Spiral # may need ORIF
Neck #
Usually 5
th
MCB
Usually due to punching
o Boxer`s #
May be open # (teeth)
Boxer`s #
Unstable
Palmar angulation : well tolerated
Needs reduction & K. wire to avoid malunion & 2ndary flexion of IPJ
Fractures of base of 1st MCB
Epibasal #
Bennett`s #
Rolando`s #
Epibasal #
Rx : reduction ± K. wire
3
Bennett`s #
Punching
Triangular piece remains attached to the trapezium while the rest of the thumb
subluxates
CR + K. wire
Rolando`s #
Comminuted intraarticular # of the
base of the 1
st
MCB
Rx : CR + K. wires or ORIF
Phalangeal fractures
Rx
Undisplaced # : buddy strapping 2-3 w
Displaced # : reduction by traction
stable : buddy strapping
unstable : IF
4
Intrinsic muscles angulation with apex volar counteract by MPJ flexion
Distal phalanx #
Tuft # : bone is shattered
Focus on swelling & nail injury
Shaft # : if displaced : CR + needle
Physeal # : Salter – Harris 2
Mallet finger : avulsion of the extensor tendon ± bone fragment
o mallet finger splint
Avulsion of the flexor tendon
5
CMJ dislocation
Usually the thumb
Reduction by traction & hyper-pronation ± K. wire
MPJ dislocation
Usually the thumb
Simple : CR
Complex : palmar plate lodged in the joint & MC head clasped between flexor
tendon & the lumrical
o CR or OR
IPJ dislocation
Rx : traction & buddy strapping
6
Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of 1st MPJ
= gamekeeper or skier injury
Partial : thumb stable in extension
immobilize 4w
Complete : thumb unstable in flexion & extension
repair
Zones of tendon injury
I : beyond insertion of FDS
II : between distal palmar crease & insertion of FDS ( flexor sheath)
III : between end of carpal tunnel & distal palmar crease
IV : within carpal tunnel
Proximal to carpal tunnel
Zone 2 = no - man`s land : adhesions are very likely
Mubark A. Wilkins