Fractures and Dislocations

Hand Therapy Experts provides specialised treatment for hand, wrist, finger, and elbow fractures and dislocations. Our goal is to offer effective treatment and rehabilitation that helps you recover from injuries quickly and regain full function. By combining expert knowledge with personalised care, we tailor our therapy to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring the best outcomes.

Common Types of Hand, Finger, Wrist and Elbow Fractures and Dislocations

Finger, hand, wrist and elbow injuries can involve multiple bones, ligaments, and joints. Our Sydney hand therapy clinic treats a variety of common hand and upper limb injuries, including:

• Boxer’s Fracture: This fracture affects the 5th metacarpal bone of the hand (the bones just below the knuckles). It’s often caused by punching or striking an object with a closed fist. Treatment involves custom splinting to immobilise the injured finger and prevent further damage.
• Volar Plate Fracture: This occurs when the ligament that prevents the finger from bending too far backward is injured. It commonly happens during hyperextension injuries during sport, such as netball, basketball, rugby and AFL.
• Finger Sprain: Sprains occur when ligaments in the finger are overstretched or torn. Common in sports, a finger sprain can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the finger. Immediate treatment is crucial to avoid developing finger deformities.
• Distal Radius Fracture: This wrist fracture occurs near the base of the hand and is one of the most common types of wrist injuries. A fall onto an outstretched hand typically causes this fracture.
• Scaphoid Fracture: This small bone located in the wrist is often fractured due to a fall onto the hand. These fractures can be complex and require careful management to prevent long-term issues like arthritis, chronic pain or reduced mobility.
• Radial Head Fracture: This type of fracture affects the elbow and typically occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched arm. It’s one of the most common fractures in children. It can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty rotating the forearm.

Hand Therapy Treatment

At Hand Therapy Experts, we take an individualised approach to managing fractures and dislocations based on each patient’s injury, hobbies and goals. Hand therapy treatment includes:

1. Assessment
   Hand therapy begins with a thorough assessment of your injury. This includes reviewing your x-rays, CT, ultrasound or MRI scans, physical examination, and history taking of your hobbies, lifestyle and work factors.
2. Splinting or casting
   Depending on the severity of your injury, treatment may include immobilising the affected joints in a splint or cast. This ensures the bones, ligaments and tendons heal properly for you to achieve full recovery.
3. Hand exercises
   A hand therapist will guide you through hand exercises to improve range of motion, prevent stiffness, reduce swelling and restore strength. Depending on the type of fracture and dislocation, in some instances, movement may commence within a few days of injury. When exercises can commence will be determined by your hand therapist and hand surgeon.
4. Swelling management
   Swelling is common after a hand and wrist fracture or finger dislocation. A hand therapist provides treatment techniques to help reduce swelling so your movement improves.
5. Return to sport and work advice
   When your injury has healed, your hand therapist and hand surgeon will guide you on when you can return to sport and work. This includes advice on hand injury prevention and gym exercises after a hand and wrist injury.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

In some instances where the fracture or dislocation is unstable or within a joint, surgery is recommended. A hand therapist works closely with hand surgeons to determine if you need to see a hand surgeon for an opinion.

If hand surgery is required, a hand therapist will provide comprehensive post-operative care to help your recovery. This includes wound care, scar scar, splinting and hand exercises to ensure you achieve full recovery.

Why Choose Hand Therapy Experts?

We provide expert care, custom splinting, and rehabilitation services tailored to your hand fracture or finger dislocation. If you have a finger, hand, wrist or elbow fracture, contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation. Our team will work with you to develop a customised treatment plan to help your recovery.