Finger fracture

It is the breakage of one or more of the bones that make up the finger. The main cause is direct trauma with a blunt object. Certain jobs and certain sports favor this type of injury (e.g., basketball). It manifests with pain, deformity, and inability to carry out tasks with the finger (functional impairment of the finger). When the finger is compared to the same finger on the other hand, swelling and deformity of the fractured finger can be seen. It is diagnosed by means of clinical history and a clinical examination of the finger. In most cases, an x-ray will be taken to study the type of fracture and to determine whether the fracture affects the joint. If a fracture is suspected, an orthopedic surgeon should be seen to confirm the diagnosis and to immobilize a finger in the correct position. This will improve the pain considerably but if this is not sufficient, regular painkillers can be given. It is not considered a life-threatening emergency, but pain management and correct repair of the fracture require visiting a doctor with experience in trauma, or an orthopedic surgeon.