A broken finger is straightened through alignment, which might involve surgery depending on the fracture's severity.
Treatment Options for a Broken Finger
When a finger is fractured, the primary goal is to ensure the bone fragments are properly aligned to allow for healing. The method used to straighten a broken finger depends on several factors, including the type of fracture (e.g., stable, displaced, comminuted) and its location on the finger. Here's an overview of the straightening process:
Non-Surgical Methods
-
Reduction: If the broken bones are out of place (displaced), a doctor will need to manipulate them back into their correct position. This is called a reduction.
-
Splinting or Casting: Once the bones are aligned, they need to be immobilized to heal. This is typically done using a splint or cast, which holds the finger in place.
Surgical Methods
According to references, surgery may be needed to straighten a broken finger:
-
Surgical Alignment: If the fracture is unstable, severely displaced, or involves multiple fragments, surgery might be necessary to achieve proper alignment.
-
Internal Fixation: During surgery, the bones are put into the correct position and held in place using small devices such as pins, screws, plates, or wires. These devices keep the fractured bones together while they heal. The provided reference specifies: "surgery to put the bones into alignment and keep them there while they heal. Small devices, such as pins, screws, plates, or wires, will be used to hold your fractured bones together."
Healing Process
Regardless of whether surgical or non-surgical methods are used, the healing process takes time. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are necessary to monitor healing and ensure proper alignment is maintained. Physical therapy or exercises might be recommended after the initial healing period to restore full function and range of motion in the finger.
